SAS Rogue Heroes will be returning for a second series on the BBC very soon, with Jack O'Connell and Connor Swindells among the returning cast members.

The first series charted the origins of the Special Air Service (aka the SAS), operating behind enemy lines in northern Africa.

The second series will pick up in spring 1943, with the action shifting from Cairo to mainland Europe.

Leader of the SAS, David Stirling (Swindells) was captured at the end of the first series, leaving the organisation in control of Paddy Mayne (Jack O'Connell).

As reported by the Radio Times, a synopsis reads: "GHQ have cast doubt over the future of the regiment, while the creation of a second unit and an influx of new arrivals make things even more difficult for the men.

"Can they prove that the SAS remains essential to the war, wherever it may lead them?"

New additions to the cast include Gwilym Lee, who plays David's brother Bill, and Con O'Neill as General Montgomery.

Swindells revealed that he wasn't meant to return after series one concluded but was delighted to be back in some capacity, as reported by the Radio Times.

Speaking at a screening and Q&A for season 2, Swindells was asked about portraying Stirling's frustration at not being able to get involved in the SAS's future exploits, while he is captured.

He said: "It was easy enough to act that sort of frustration. I wasn't in Croatia [where much of the action in season 2 was filmed]. But I was absolutely delighted to come back.

"I was only ever meant to do the first season, so when Steven Knight delivered episode one, and there I was, page 59, and I got a call from the wonderful Stephen Smallwood asking what I was doing in the summer, I was truly delighted. We follow David through, and his frustration and his need for attention."

BBC SAS Rogue Heroes Series 2 full cast list

  • Jack O'Connell as Paddy Mayne
  • Connor Swindells as David Stirling
  • Sofia Boutella as Eve Mansour
  • Dominic West as Dudley Clarke
  • Gwilym Lee as Bill Stirling
  • Theo Barklem-Biggs as Reg Seekings
  • Corin Silva as Jim Almonds
  • Jacob Ifan as Pat Riley
  • Jacob McCarthy as Johnny Cooper

  • Stuart Campbell as Bill Fraser
  • Bobby Schofield as Dave Kershaw
  • Mark Rowley as Jock McDiarmid
  • Jack Barton as John Tonkin
  • Con O’Neill as General Montgomery
  • Matteo Franco as Alfredo
  • Anna Manuelli as Alessia
  • Bianca Bardoe as Daphne Reece-Williams

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When will SAS Rogue Heroes be on TV?

The first episode of SAS Rogue Heroes Series 2 will air on Wednesday, January 1 at 9pm on BBC One.

After that, the second episode will air the following day in the same timeslot on Thursday, January 2 and the third on Sunday, January 5, also at 9pm.

The remaining three episodes in the series will then air on Sundays at 9pm.

Alternatively, all six episodes will become available to watch on BBC iPlayer from 6am on New Year's Day.