BBC shares first look at hit drama from Peaky Blinders creator as it makes comeback

BBC hit series SAS Rogue Heroes, from Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, is returning to screens.

By Katie Palmer, Senior TV Reporter

Bill Stirling and Paddy Mayne don't see eye to eye

Bill Stirling and Paddy Mayne don't see eye to eye (Image: BBC)

The BBC has released some first-look images for the second outing of SAS Rogue Heroes, from Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight. The historical drama about the SAS during the Second World War first graced screens in 2022 and it received critical acclaim.

In December 2022 the BBC confirmed a second season had been given the green light, based on the operations in the European theatre of the war. The second season moves the unit from Cairo to the European front, after Lieutenant David Stirling (played by Connor Swindells) was captured by Axis forces.

The first look shows Jack O'Connell as Paddy Mayne leading the special forces after he reluctantly took over Stirling's role. Meanwhile, David's brother Bill Stirling (Gwilym Lee) arrives to form a second unit to combat enemy encroachment.

As the war continued into 1943, the future of the SAS was uncertain due to the GHQ doubting its reliability from behind Axis lines. Season two will introduce some new faces including Edward Bennett and Paolo De Vita.

Other newcomers include Con O'Neill, Jack Barton and Mark Rowley, with returning cast members including Sofia Boutella and Dominic West.

Reg Seekings (THEO BARKLEM-BIGGS) and Dave Kershaw (BOBBY SCHOFIELD)

Reg Seekings (THEO BARKLEM-BIGGS) and Dave Kershaw (BOBBY SCHOFIELD) (Image: BBC)

Eve Mansour is pictured on a boat

Eve Mansour is pictured on a boat (Image: BBC)

There had been a fantastic response to the show's debut season, with the first episode being viewed 5.5million times on iPlayer alone during 2022, making it the fifth most viewed individual programme on the platform that year.

The new images show Bill Stirling and Paddy Mayne locking horns, meanwhile a dishevelled David Stirling is seen raising a glass.

Eve Mansour (Sofia Boutella) is pictured on a boat in one image, and another shows Eve in an evening gown at a table with Dudley Clarke (Dominic West) and Paddy.

Paddy Mayne has taken over leadership of the troop

Paddy Mayne has taken over leadership of the troop (Image: BBC)

John Tonkin joins the cast played by Jack Barton

John Tonkin joins the cast played by Jack Barton (Image: BBC)

David Stirling was captured by Axis forces

David Stirling was captured by Axis forces (Image: BBC)

The cast of SAS Rogue Heroes season 2

The cast of SAS Rogue Heroes season 2 (Image: BBC)

Reg Seekings (Theo Barklem-Biggs) and Dave Kershaw (Bobby Schofield) are seen exploring new territory, and there is a glimpse of Jack Barton as John Tonkin.

The Last Kingdom's Mark Rowley will star as SAS member Jock McDiarmid.

Filming took place in Croatia and the UK for the second season, which will be made up of six hour-long episodes.

An official release date is yet to be announced but it will air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in the UK and will be available on MGM+ in the United States.

SAS Rogue Heroes season 2 will air on BBC One

Eve Mansour sits alongside Paddy Mayne and Dudley Clarke

Eve Mansour sits alongside Paddy Mayne and Dudley Clarke (Image: BBC)

Reg Seekings stars in season 2 of SAS Rogue Heroes

Reg Seekings stars in season 2 of SAS Rogue Heroes (Image: BBC)

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