Netflix's Department Q star lands major role in 'absolute must see' BBC mystery series

The BBC has confirmed the comeback of its smash-hit detective drama Ludwig, featuring beloved comedian David Mitchell in the lead role alongside Motherland's Anna Maxwell Martin.

The broadcaster has also disclosed that some thrilling fresh faces are being welcomed to the cast, including performers from Phoebe Waller-Bridge's Fleabag and Scottish crime drama Shetland.

Mark Bonnar, celebrated for his appearances in Shetland and most recently Netflix's hit Scottish show Department Q, is entering the programme as newspaper editor Gareth Fisher.

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Meanwhile Sian Clifford, most recognised for her portrayal of Claire in Fleabag, will depict local MP Joanne Kemper in the comedy drama.

Additional performers joining the ensemble include Deep Cover's Ben Ashenden and After the Flood's Rumi Sutton.

Production is currently in progress for series 2 of the Mark Brotherhood creation, which is crafted by ITV's Big Talk Studios alongside That Mitchell and Webb Company, reports the Express.

The synopsis for the programme states: "While seeking to unravel the mystery of his twin brother's disappearance, reclusive puzzle-designer John 'Ludwig' Taylor takes on his twin brother James's identity as DCI on Cambridge's major crimes squad."

The acclaimed programme was allegedly the BBC's most successful scripted series of 2024, drawing in excess of 9.5 million viewers.

Ludwig also garnered rave reviews, securing an exceptional 97% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics heaped praise on the series for its fresh approach to the crime genre, with NPR declaring: "Created and written by Mark Brotherhood, it arrives with one of the most original and captivating variations on the entire TV mystery genre."

The New Yorker said: "Though much of Ludwig feels comfortingly familiar, and orderly in its methods, it's refreshingly its own thing, too, subverting conventions not just of genre but of trope."

The Boston Globe wrote: "Once you've finished rolling your eyes about how silly all of that is, the show's charms will reel you in for each cozy mystery."

Fans were equally smitten with the BBC detective drama, with one viewer gushing: "Dark, funny, heartfelt. A weird way to describe this show but that's what it is! If you like a weekly whodunit with a seriously good running story, check this out! It's great!"

Another penned: "Loved this show! Season 2 better come out soon. It's another murder-an-episode show but with an underlying season mystery. Cast is wonderful, cheers to David Mitchell and Anna Maxwell Martin. Lots of heart and humor."

"I really hope to see Ludwig back soon! Original plot, superb acting, very entertaining!" a third raved, whilst another gushed: "Delightfully witty and intriguing. Brilliant!"

One review gushed: "Ludwig is one of the most brilliantly clever shows I've ever seen. Even its episode titles showcase remarkable imagination and inventiveness. The characters are captivating, the acting is exceptional, and the storylines are utterly compelling. I can't wait for Series 2!"

Another viewer enthused: "I was instantly hooked after episode one. A very unique and intriguing detective show. David Mitchell is such an amazing actor to watch. Switching deftly from comical to dramatic. Pure mastery. A real must-see TV show. I highly recommend it."

The blurb for Ludwig season 2 reveals: "Picking up from where things were left at the end of series one, master puzzle-setter John 'Ludwig' Taylor (David Mitchell) is now a Crime Scene Consultant working on 'impossible' crimes for the Cambridge Police Authority.

"No longer having to masquerade as his brother, he's openly more 'Ludwig' than ever - brilliant at solving puzzles but hopeless at everything else.

"But John's identical twin brother, James, is still missing, and now that he's an official employee of the station, John is forbidden from using any police resources to look for his brother or uncover exactly what he was investigating.

"Of course, John won't stop and neither will Lucy (Anna Maxwell Martin), John's sister-in-law and wife of his missing brother James - a puzzle needs solving and a husband and father needs bringing home. One masquerade may have ended, but a new one has just begun."

Ludwig season 1 is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.