Cathy Tyson

Award-winning BBC comedy thriller Black Ops returns to BBC One tonight with Gbemisola Ikumelo and Hammed Animashaun reprising their roles alongside Tom Stourton and Nigel Havers

The critically acclaimed BBC comedy thriller, Black Ops, is set to return for a second series on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The first season of the show drew an impressive audience of 2.3 million viewers for its premiere episode, averaging 1.6 million across the entire series.

Gbemisola Ikumelo will be back in her role as Dom, with Hammed Animashaun reprising his character Kay, and Akemnji Ndifornyen returning as gang boss Tevin. This season also boasts a star-studded guest cast including Tom Stourton (Barbie, Poor Things), Nigel Havers (Chariots of Fire, Coronation Street), Annette Badland (Heartstopper, Ted Lasso), Ed Speleers (Star Trek: Picard, You), and Cathy Tyson (Help, Death in Paradise).

When asked about her decision to return for the second series, Gbemisola said: “Honestly, I think the love from the audience. Series one felt really, really special, and got a lot of love and recognition. How could you not want to do it again?”.

In response to whether she anticipated such an overwhelming response from viewers, Gbemisola, who also co-created and wrote the series, admitted: “Absolutely not. You always want to be able to put something out there, and if you’re proud of it, then great, and move on. But it was really lovely to hear how much love people had for this show.”

The upcoming season will see Dom and Kay working for MI5, but their roles are far from glamorous. As the synopsis teases: “They may be in the world of espionage, but their jobs are decidedly unglamorous – not everyone can be James Bond, someone has to do the admin.”

“All that changes when Dom meets a charismatic spy called Steve, offering the promise of more exciting, classified work. Dom and Kay soon find themselves embroiled in an escapade that tests their wits, their friendship, and their love of carnival to the limits.”

Speaking about what’s in store for series two, Gbemisola hinted: “It’s going to be a bigger, louder, crazier show. I’m actually quite shocked about the things we’ve been able to achieve in this series, so I’m looking forward to seeing how audiences respond to the things that I’m excited about.”

The second series launches on Thursday, January 8, available on BBC One or via BBC iPlayer from 9:30pm, reports the Express.

The opening episode’s synopsis reveals: “Dom and Kay are back and working at MI5, but they’re struggling to find their feet in the world of intelligence. Dom, ambitious and eager to prove herself, is frustrated to be stuck carrying out menial work in the archives, while Kay misses his former role as a PCSO, and the direct impact he had on the community. Dom takes a big gamble to impress a senior agent, with dangerous consequences for her and Kay.”

The series consists of eight half-hour episodes, airing weekly on Thursday evenings in the same time slot.

BBC viewers will see the beloved comedy series return to screens on Thursday night with some very familiar faves joining the cast.

Laughter is set to fill BBC screens this evening (January 8) as the second series of a popular comedy returns.

This follows hot on the heels of a new comedy featuring Dawn French and Mark Heap, which debuted on Wednesday night.

Black Ops, which originally launched in 2023, is making its comeback as viewers will see Gbemisola Ikumelo and Hammed Animashaun return as Dom and Kay.

The first series followed two East London police community support officers who unexpectedly found themselves working undercover.

Tasked with penetrating a criminal gang led by boss Tevin (Akemnji Ndifornyen), audiences were treated to a hilarious journey as the pair attempted to stay under the radar whilst Tevin grew increasingly suspicious, reports Wales Online.

Now, the cast reunite for a fresh series, which will feature appearances from Death in Paradise’s Cathy Tyson and Coronation Street’s Nigel Havers.

Discussing his return as Tevin, Akemnji revealed: “Series one was so nice, of course, we had to go and do it twice! Hugely excited to be going bigger, better and blacker for series two.

“Whatever is next for Dom, Kay – and of course Tevin – one thing is for certain, two things are for sure: it’s going to be a wild and thrilling comedy ride! Seatbelts, please!”

A synopsis for the second series reveals it begins with Dom and Kay working for MI5. Despite operating in the secretive world of espionage, their roles in the organisation are far from glamorous as they’re confined to administrative duties.

However, the situation shifts as an overview states: “All that changes when Dom meets a charismatic spy called Steve, offering the promise of more exciting, classified work.

“Dom and Kay soon find themselves embroiled in an escapade that tests their wits, their friendship, and their love of carnival to the limits.”

The series has received glowing reviews from viewers in the past, with one person commenting: “I find UK shows so much more my level of humour and cadence.. This show is excellent.”

**For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website**

“The chemistry between the two main characters is spot on. It’s smart and funny and drama all at the same time. That’s hard to pull off. It’s a great storyline.”

Another viewer added: “Thought this was hilarious. The two main characters are a blast. And the series’ plot was twisting and gripping enough to also provided enough suspense to make me keep watching to the end. Loved it.”

Black Ops is available to watch on BBC One from 9:30pm