Black Doves Welcomes New Cast Members, Including a Scream Queen and Rising Star

Helen’s double life grows harder

Keira Knightley returns as Helen Webb, an agent who gathers sensitive information through her husband, Wallace. As she tries to maintain her roles as spouse, mother and spy, she becomes increasingly conflicted about a life built on betrayal.

Ben Whishaw is back as Sam Young, a former Black Doves hit man and Helen’s close friend. After trying to leave his old life behind, he takes low-paid work and drinks alone before becoming involved with Helen again.

Sarah Lancashire reprises Reed, Helen’s cold, relentless handler. The second season reveals more vulnerable aspects of Reed through glimpses of her younger self and defining events from her past.

Family and new alliances

Andrew Buchan returns as Wallace Webb, Helen’s husband, who does not know she works for the Black Doves. His career advances and he becomes the U.K.’s prime minister, while strict security measures accompany growing tension in his marriage.

Williams, played by Ella Lily Hyland, has left her former partner after that partner’s death and teams up with Eleanor, portrayed by Gabrielle Creevy. Williams also forms a friendship with Sam; Eleanor is another quick-moving assassin, known for her humor. Ambika Mod plays Laila, a lighthearted assassin whose contrasting personality puts her at odds with Helen at the start of the season.

Power struggles and outside threats

Peter Sullivan plays Mr. Conteh, a senior Black Doves figure seeking power. As the organization comes under pressure, he is assigned to investigate Reed and becomes more prominent to Helen and her associates.

Patrick, played by Sam Riley, works for a rival organization. That group offers Sam a tempting way out when he most needs one.

Russian figures enter the story

Sylvia Hoeks plays Katia Chernov, the glamorous, sharp-minded wife of Russian oligarch Alexi Chernov. She becomes caught up in the mysteries of the new series. Goran Kostić plays Alexi, a powerful oligarch with influence over some of the season’s most fragile cases.