“Like nothing else on TV”: ITV’s "most-watched” crime drama Code of Silence is back for a “thrilling" series 2

If, like us, you were enthralled by ITV's hit crime drama, Code of Silence, earlier this year, we’ve got some very exciting news for you. Fittingly described by ITV executives as "like nothing else on TV", the series was the most-watched drama across all platforms and channels in the second quarter of 2025, and now the broadcaster has revealed that the drama will return for a thrilling series 2.

From the opening scenes of Code of Silence's first series, it’s clear that it's not your average crime thriller, but a landmark moment for on-screen inclusion and representation, with British Sign Language (BSL) integrated into the exceptional storytelling. If you didn't catch series 1, Code of Silence focuses on Alison Brooks (played brilliantly by Rose Ayling-Ellis), a Deaf catering worker who's called in to support a detective by lip reading the conversations of dangerous criminals. Alison also happens to find herself falling for one of the suspects, Liam Barlow (Kieron Moore), which makes things all the more exciting.

While we await the arrival of Code of Silence series 2 on our screens, here’s everything you need to know about it, from the plot to the cast and the trailer.

What is Code of Silence about?

Alison Brooks (Rose Ayling-Ellis) is a smart and determined Deaf woman who works in a Kent and Canterbury police canteen and has spent years secretly observing conversations. Her unique ability to do so via her exceptional lip-reading skills catches the attention of DS Ashleigh Francis (Charlotte Ritchie) and DI James Marsh (Andrew Buchan), and it’s not long before Alison finds herself thrust into the centre of a high-stakes heist operation.

Rose Ayling-Ellis in Code of Silence

As Code of Silence unfolds, Alison becomes increasingly involved with an investigation into a violent criminal gang, whose members only meet outdoors in unbuggable locations. Plainclothes officers surveil them with hidden cameras, but back at the station all the official lip readers are busy on other jobs and unavailable to interpret footage of them talking.

Rose Ayling-Ellis in Code of Silence

Alison’s interpretation of the violent gang’s clandestine meetings lead to police unlocking a case but she becomes drawn to a main suspect and pulled into a risky situation as things threaten to spill over into her personal life. It soon becomes clear that things are graver than she could have ever imagined as Alison discovers more about the gang and why they’re a threat who should not be taken lightly.

What will happen in Code of Silence series 2?

While plot details for Code of Silence series 2 are currently being kept under wraps, ITV Drama Commissioner, Callum Dziedzic, has promised "another gripping case, with Alison’s talents and perspective delivering a thriller that’s pulse-pounding, distinctive, and like nothing else on TV." We also know that Rose Ayling-Ellis will return to the lead role.

She told ITV: "I’m so proud thatCode of Silence has been recommissioned. The response to the first series has been incredible, and it means so much to be part of a drama that not only keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, but also puts a Deaf character at the heart of the story. I’m really excited to see where Alison’s journey goes next and to be working again with the wonderful cast, crew and creative team behind the show."

Who will star in Code of Silence series 2?

Code of Silence

Code of Silence is helmed by Rose Ayling-Ellis, best known for her role in EastEnders and for winning the 2021 series of Strictly Come Dancing alongside Giovanni Pernice, becoming the first Deaf contestant to do so. At the moment, she's the only cast member confirmed to return for series 2.

Her fellow Code of Silence cast members, who we're hoping will return, include:

• Kieron Moore (Emmerdale, Masters of the Air) as Liam Bayne
• Charlotte Ritchie (Fresh Meat, Ghosts, You) as DS Ashleigh Francis
• Andrew Buchan (Broadchurch, Industry) as DI James Marsh
• Nathan Armarkwei Laryea (Doctor Who) as DC Ben Lawford
• Joe Absolom (EastEnders, Doc Martin) as Braden Moore
• Beth Goddard (The Midwife) as Helen Redman
• Andrew Scarborough (Downton Abbey) as Joseph Holhurst
• Fifi Garfield (See Hear, Where The Light Gets In) as Julie Woods

Is Code of Silence any good?

Created by The Stolen Girl’s Catherine Moulton, who drew on her own experiences with lip-reading and hearing loss, Code of Silence has been hailed as the must-watch thriller of 2025 with Rose Ayling-Ellis’s performance stunning critics and viewers alike.

“I couldn’t imagine a more perfect Alison than Rose Ayling-Ellis,” Moulton told Stylist. “Rose was involved at an early stage of development, and her input was invaluable. It meant that we were able to weave elements of Rose’s experiences with my own. We aimed to always put Alison’s Deaf experience at the heart of the story.”

How can I watch Code of Silence series 2?

ITV hasn't yet shared a release date for Code of Silence series 2, but we do know that development is underway on the second series, which is scheduled to begin filming next year. As soon as we have a confirmed date, we'll share it here. In the meantime, you can binge all six episodes of series 1 on ITVX and STV Player.