Red Eye Cast: The Stars Behind ITV’s Hit Thriller Series
Introduction: Why Red Eye’s Cast Matters
The Red Eye cast has become a talking point among thriller enthusiasts as the British series continues to captivate audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. With 8 million viewers and 29.3 million streams on ITVX in 2024, this high-stakes drama has proven that casting the right talent is essential to creating compelling television. Season 2 of Red Eye debuted on New Years Day, bringing fresh intrigue and new cast members to the mix.
Leading the Red Eye Cast
Red Eye is a six-part British thriller television series, created by Peter A Dowling and starring Jing Lusi, Richard Armitage, Jemma Moore and Lesley Sharp. Jing Lusi takes centre stage as Detective Sergeant Hana Li, a formidable Metropolitan Police officer whose investigations lead her into dangerous international conspiracies. In season one, she teamed up with Dr. Matthew Nolan (Richard Armitage) as the characters uncovered an international conspiracy intent on framing Nolan, all from within the confines of a Beijing-bound plane.
The supporting cast includes Lesley Sharp as Madeline Delaney, the Director-General of MI5, and Jemma Moore as Jess Li, a journalist and Hana’s younger half-sister. A second series was announced in September 2024, with Lusi, Moore, and Sharp returning and Martin Compston, Jonathan Aris, and Robert Gilbert joining the cast.
Season Two Brings New Talent
In season two, Lusi must work with Clay Brody (Line of Duty’s Martin Compston), with the pair forced to put their past differences aside after a murder inside London’s U.S. Embassy. The addition of Compston, known for his acclaimed work in Line of Duty, brings fresh energy to the series. Season 2 premiered on ITV1 and ITVX on 1 January 2026, expanding the thriller’s scope beyond the confines of an aeroplane.
Why Audiences Connect with the Red Eye Cast
The chemistry between cast members has been crucial to the show’s success. The performances bring depth to what could have been a straightforward thriller, with each actor contributing authenticity to their roles. Lusi is leading one of ITV’s most popular thrillers, Red Eye, as the formidable and headstrong Hana Li, marking a significant milestone in her career as a leading lady rather than supporting roles.
As Red Eye continues to build its audience on Hulu in the United States and maintains its strong viewership in the UK, the cast’s ability to sustain tension across multiple episodes remains its greatest asset. With Season 2 now available, viewers can expect more compelling performances from this talented ensemble.