The Dry begins production in Dublin - Series 2 coming to ITV and RTÈ

Element Pictures, an award-winning production company known for their notable works like "Normal People," "Conversations with Friends," and "The Gallows Pole," has announced the commencement of filming for the highly anticipated second series of the comedy-drama "The Dry." This series is a collaboration between Element Pictures, a Fremantle company, and is produced in association with Fís Eireann/Screen Ireland and ITV Studios. The eight-part comedy-drama, written by BAFTA-nominated screenwriter Nancy Harris ("Dates") and directed by Paddy Breathnach ("Viva," "Rosie"), brings back Roisin Gallagher ("The Fall") in the role of Shiv Sheridan, a recovering alcoholic. The series introduces an exciting lineup of new cast members, including Michael McElhatton ("Game of Thrones") as Finbar, Bernie's new close companion, and Thommas Kane Byrne ("Derry Girls") as Billy, Ant's new rival. Additionally, Sam Keeley ("Kin") joins the cast as Alex, a charming barista who may bring a chance of true love into Shiv's life.

Additional newcomers include Seán Doyle (Normal People), Helen Norton (Cracks) and Ruth Codd (The Midnight Club). Familiar faces also reprising their roles include Ciarán Hinds (Belfast) as Tom, Pom Boyd (Vanity Fair) as Bernie, Siobhán Cullen (Origin) as Caroline, Moe Dunford (Vikings) as Jack, Adam Richardson (Intruder) as Ant and Emmanuel Okoye (Conversations with Friends) as Max. The second series willstream exclusively on ITVX and RTÉ next year whilst the first series is available to watch on ITVX and RTÉ Player (which has over 700,000 streams to date) now.

Taking place seven months after the events of the first series, the storyline delves into the Sheridan's' new reality. At first glance, it appears that the family has found some level of contentment: Shiv has successfully maintained her sobriety, remained abstinent, and regained financial stability for half a year. Ant has managed to hold onto his job at the estate agents while nurturing his relationship with Max, and Caroline is making up for lost time by indulging in casual encounters through Tinder. On the surface, everything seems normal... or does it?

Questions arise as to how ordinary it is for three grown adults to continue living with their parents. Is the Sheridan family genuinely satisfied with this new status quo, or have they simply reshuffled their dysfunctions and settled into another form of denial? Shiv is resolute in her determination to conquer sobriety once and for all, cutting out toxic influences from her life. However, what if the greatest threat to her newfound stability lies within her own household? Abstaining from alcohol is one thing, but what if it means relinquishing one's own family?

Roisin Gallagher said: "I am thrilled to be jumping back into Shiv's shoes once more. It has been a joy to work with the returning cast from series one – and this time we've welcomed some new faces to share the chaotic shenanigans of the Sheridan's life. I cannot wait to see where this next chapter takes us, there are so many more hilarious twists and turns on her continuous battle to stay sober."