Annika S2. Photo: UKTV

From the time I was first introduced to the greatness of Nicola Walker in her role as DI Susan Taylor in Touching Evil (co-starring with Grantchester‘s Robson Green), followed by her time as Ruth Evershed in Spooks (MI5), guest roles in Luther, Being Human and Inside Men, then her more recent efforts in Scott & Bailey, Last Tango in Halifax, Unforgotten and The Split once again I’m convinced she could simply read the phone book and I’d be there front and center.

Now, as a follow-up to the series 1 broadcast of Annika this past Fall on PBS, comes news that the second series of Nicola Walker greatness is headed to PBS and Alibi in 2023. Annika, based on the Radio 4 drama Annika Stranded, also written by Nick Walker, follows DI Annika Strandhed (Walker), the speedboat-driving head of Glasgow’s newly-formed Marine Homicide Unit (MHU), as her specialist unit is tasked with investigating a number of mysterious deaths and unexplained murders off the coast of Scotland.

Nicola Walker and Jamie Sives signal that filming on Annika S2 has begun. Photo: PBS

Walker, who also voiced Annika in the Radio 4 drama, will again be joined in series 2 by a star-studded cast, including Jamie Sives (Guilt) as DS Michael McAndrews, Katie Leung (Harry Potter, The Nest, Roadkill) as DC Blair Ferguson, Ukweli Roach (Grantchester) as DS Tyrone Clarke and Silvie Furneaux (Red Rose) as Annika’s daughter Morgan.

Silvie Furneaux in Annika S2. Photo: UKTV

Season 2 also welcomes some new faces, including Sven Henriksen (Welcome to Uttmark, Valkyrien) as Annika’s father Magnus, and Varada Sethu (Andor, Strike Back) as DC Harper Weston, who joins the MHU.

What makes this series additionally addictive is how DI Strandhed frequently breaks the fourth wall to include the audience in her investigations into the aforementioned mysterious deaths and unexplained murders off the coast of Scotland. On paper, it could appear on the surface to be like a cross between the greatness of Miranda and Shetland. But, after seeing series 1, I’ll be there again…with or without a phone book, as Annika’s confidante, if you will.

Nicola Walker said: “We are all looking forward to fighting crime on sea and land with the MHU for a second series and there are secrets closer to home for Annika that will have to be faced. It’s going to be a bumpy ride!”

With Series 1 currently available for binge watching on your local PBS station’s Passport portal, Annika S2 will hit PBS as part of Masterpiece in 2023.