Filming has just begun on series two of the hit BBC drama SAS Rogue Heroes, created by Steven Knight and made by Kudos (a Banijay UK company) for the BBC with MGM+.
SAS Rogue Heroes stormed on to BBC One and iPlayer last Autumn, becoming a huge hit with viewers and critics alike, attracting an audience of 9.4 million viewers (30-day all screens episode 1 figure). Inspired by Ben Macintyre’s best-selling book of the same name, series two will again be a dramatised account of the origins of the world’s greatest Special Forces unit, the SAS.
Spring, 1943. With David Stirling captured and Paddy Mayne now in charge of the SAS, their attention must turn from the conflict in North Africa to mainland Europe. But GHQ have cast doubt over the future of the regiment, while the creation of a new unit and a surprise arrival make things even more difficult for the men. Can they prove that the SAS remains essential to the war, wherever it may lead them?
Jack O’Connell returns as Paddy Mayne, alongside Connor Swindells as David Stirling, Sofia Boutella as Eve Mansour, and Dominic West as Dudley Clarke. Gwilym Lee (The Great, Bohemian Rhapsody) joins SAS Rogue Heroes for series two to play Bill Stirling, David Stirling’s brother and founder of the 2SAS regiment, while Con O’Neill (Happy Valley, Our Flag Means Death) will play General Montgomery.
Also strapping on their boots to return for series two are Theo Barklem-Biggs as Reg Seekings, Corin Silva as Jim Almonds, Jacob Ifan as Pat Riley, Jacob McCarthy as Johnny Cooper, Stuart Campbell as Bill Fraser, and Bobby Schofield as Dave Kershaw. They will serve alongside new recruits Mark Rowley (The Last Kingdom, The North Water) and Jack Barton (Heartstopper, War of the Worlds), who will play SAS members Jock McDiarmid and John Tonkin respectively.
Further new cast members for series two include Paolo De Vita (Anonymous, La Grande Guerra del Salento), Anna Manuelli (Blocco 181, Pezzi unici), Edward Bennett (Industry, Save Me Too) and Matteo Franco.
Series creator, writer and executive producer Steven Knight says: “It’s so good to be back in the wild world of the SAS so soon. The second chapter is even more incredible than the first and we hope to do justice to the brave men and women whose story we are telling.”
Karen Wilson, joint MD of Kudos and executive producer says: “We were blown away by the incredible reaction to series one and are so excited to be back filming. Steven’s scripts are just brilliant, we have an amazing cast and we can’t wait to go on another action-packed ride with our Rogue Heroes again.”
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama says: “Series one dazzled millions of viewers across the country with its swagger, action-packed set pieces and wit, winning a whole legion of fans in the process. Series two goes bigger and better to prove that Steven Knight and the team were just getting started - we can’t wait to welcome the Rogue Heroes back to the BBC.”
SAS Rogue Heroes series two (6x60’) is created, written and executive produced by Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders, Taboo, Great Expectations) and series two will be directed by Stephen Woolfenden (Outlander, Willow) with Stephen Smallwood (The Serpent, Patrick Melrose) as producer. The series will be executive produced by Karen Wilson, Emma Kingsman-Lloyd and Martin Haines for Kudos, and Nick Lambon for the BBC.
SAS Rogue Heroes will air on BBC One and iPlayer in the UK, MGM+ in the United States, and is distributed internationally by Banijay Rights.
Series one is available to stream now in full on BBC iPlayer
Series two is filming in the UK and Croatia.
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Notes to Editors
SAS Rogue Heroes is distributed internationally by Banijay Rights, which has sold the series to multiple global broadcasters and streaming services including MGM+ in the US, HBO Max in Europe, Prime Video in Canada, SBS in Australia, STARZPLAY in the Middle East, Paramount+ in Germany and Canal+ in France.
Critical praise for SAS Rogue Heroes series one
“A World War Two BBC drama that roars out of the blocks like a fully-formed beast” ★★★★★ – Metro
“This new series from Steven Knight blew me away” ★★★★★ - Daily Mail
“A rollicking tale that pinballs from action-packed set-pieces (kamikaze parachute jumps, raids on enemy bases) to absurd moments to heart-wrenching loss” – NME
“[Steven Knight’s] latest ace card” – LadBible
“Exactly what Sunday nights have been missing… sure to leave fans crying out for more” ★★★★ – Radio Times
“This is not your everyday war drama” ★★★★ – The Guardian
“Rogue Heroes is a blast” ★★★★ – Daily Telegraph
“A mad fairground ride” ★★★★ – The Times
“A fizzy, stylish wartime drama” ★★★★ – Evening Standard