By Katie Palmer

Copyright dailyrecord

Disney Plus has just announced the launch date for the second series of one of Steven Knight’s most beloved dramas. All six episodes will drop simultaneously on release day, with the fresh season also streaming on Hulu across the pond. Outlander’s Ned Dennehy, who portrays Lionel Brown, has signed up for the cast alongside Catherine McCormack. The show in question is A Thousand Blows, with the newcomers taking on the roles of Bull Jeremy and Sophie Lyons respectively. The critically praised drama will debut on January 9 with Stephen Graham reprising his role as Sugar Goodson, reports the Manchester Evening News . Malachi Kirby also returns as Hezekiah Moscow, reuniting with Erin Doherty as Mary Carr. The programme draws inspiration from the real-life Forty Elephants, an all-female criminal organisation fighting for survival in the harsh East End of London during the 1880s. The synopsis for the fresh season states: “One year later, Hezekiah’s a shadow of the man he once was whilst Sugar Goodson is estranged from his family and drinking himself to death. “Just as Wapping is about to sigh its last breath, Mary Carr bursts back into town with her loyal second, Alice Diamond, to reassemble her gang and reclaim her crown. “As always, Mary has a plan; one which will involve all those she holds dearest. And this time it’s riskier than ever.” The returning cast features James Nelson-Joyce as Edward “Treacle” Goodson, Darci Shaw as Alice Diamond, Hannah Walters as Eliza Moody, Nadia Albina as Verity Ross, Morgan Hilaire as Esme Long, Jemma Carlton as Belle Downer, Caoilfhionn Dunne as Anne Glover, Jason Tobin as Mr. Lao, Susan Lynch as Jane Carr, Daniel Mays as William ‘Punch’ Lewis, Gary Lewis as Jack Mac, Aliyah Odoffin as Victoria Davies, and Robert Glenister as Indigo Jeremy. The debut series launched in February 2025 to widespread praise from critics, earning largely favourable reviews. Review aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes summarised the critical response, stating: “Punching up an intriguing era of British history with creator Steven Knight’s flare for genre grit, A Thousand Blows is riveting entertainment that leaves a bruise.” A Thousand Blows season 2 will air on Disney+ and Hulu from January 9