Forgotten ITV drama returning for second season next week

DI Ray, starring Parminder Nagra, is making a return

ITV's popular crime drama, DI Ray, has finally announced the release date for its eagerly awaited second season.

The show will see Parminder Nagra reprise her role as DI Rachita Ray, with the new season set to premiere on Sunday, October 20.

The first season of DI Ray, which aired in May 2022, followed the lead detective as she delved into the murder of a high-profile criminal amidst a backdrop of systemic racism.

The season ended with Rach unveiling the murderer of Imran Aziz, only to be suspended by the police chief pending further investigation.

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The show was renewed for a second season in November 2022. At the time, Nagra expressed her delight in a statement: "How lovely to have got the response that we did for series one."

"Thanks to our audience and to ITV and our amazing talented producers Maya Sondhi, Jed Mercurio, Madonna Baptiste, Jimmy Mulville, we get to do it again. We look forward to taking you on another thrilling adventure! ".

The upcoming season will resume two months after Rach's suspension, with the detective being pulled back into homicide following a fatal drive-by shooting that kills Frank Chapman, the leader of a notorious local crime syndicate.

The official synopsis adds: "DI Ray is in a race against time to uncover the truth before the Chapman family act out their revenge and an all-out gang war erupts onto the streets."

Other cast members making a return include Gemma Whelan as DCI Kerry Henderson, Jamie Bamber as DI Martyn Hunter and Steve Oram as DS Clive Bottomley.

One actor who won't be making a comeback is Maanuv Thiara, as his character PS Tony Khatri met his end in the first season's finale.

The second season of DI Ray will debut on ITV come October 20.