Red Eye Returns with a High-Stakes Embassy Crisis for New Year’s Day

Images: ITV Press

By Jon Donnis

ITV is starting the year with real intent as Red Eye touches down once more. Jing Lusi slips back into the role of DS Hana Li, this time drawn into an investigation that unfolds inside the locked walls of the US Embassy in London. Martin Compston joins her as Clay Brody, the Embassy's Head of Security and a former colleague she has every reason to distrust. Their uneasy partnership becomes the heart of a story built on pressure, shifting loyalties and a threat that refuses to stay still.

The setup wastes no time. Celebrations for a newly appointed US Ambassador are brought to an abrupt halt when a call warns that a British plane will be blown out of the sky if anyone tries to leave. The Embassy shuts down, trapping guests and staff inside. Then the killings start, dragging Hana into a political tangle that is as dangerous as it is claustrophobic. The tension spikes further once she learns whose plane is at risk. Director General Madeline Delaney, played once again by Lesley Sharp, is on board. With a murderer stalking the Embassy corridors and a jet in the air running out of time, Hana and Brody have to set aside old grievances and find whoever is orchestrating the chaos.

Jemma Moore returns as journalist Jess Li, adding another familiar anchor to the cast. The production itself comes from Bad Wolf, the Wales based company behind major dramas such as His Dark Materials and Industry. Peter A Dowling leads the writing, bringing the twists he is known for, while Jingan Young contributes the third episode. Kieron Hawkes directs the opening three instalments, with Camilla Strøm Henriksen taking over for the remaining episodes.

Last year's launch pulled in more than 8 million viewers and logged over 29 million streams on ITVX, placing Red Eye firmly among ITV's standout dramas of 2024. The new run delivers six fresh episodes, executive produced by Julie Gardner, Peter A Dowling and Lachlan MacKinnon, with Chris May producing. It feels like a continuation shaped with confidence, raising the stakes while keeping the pulse of the first series very much alive.

Red Eye returns to ITV1 and STV on New Year's Day and will be available to stream on ITVX and STV Player.