Vigil series 3: Plot, cast and start date of Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie drama on BBC One
By Helen Fear | Fri Mar 21 2025Vigil is returning with a much-anticipated series 3, the BBC has confirmed - and we've got all the insider info on the plot, cast, and possible start date.
Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie will be back as DCI Amy Silva and DI Kirsten Longacre. And this time they'll be facing their "most high-stakes mission yet".
The partners in crime - and in love - are returning with a brand new mystery in Scotland.
Here's everything you need to know about Vigil series 3 on BBC One.
Is there a Vigil series 3?
Good news for fans of Vigil, there WILL be an upcoming series 3.
Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie will return as partners DCI Amy Silva and DI Kirsten Longacre.
This time, their new case takes them to a remote Arctic research station, where a member of a covert British special forces mission has been shot dead.
The synopsis tells us: "Amy and Kirsten will need to catch the killer and diffuse a potential international confrontation, driven by a land-grab for energy and resources in the changing polar climate, with both their careers and relationship on the line."
Writer Tom Edge explained: "In our third season we travel to the frozen north where the world's great powers are competing to secure advantages as the ice melts.
"With a brilliant cast and crew assembling to make the show, we hope to deliver an epic investigation that shines a light on issues that will shape the world we all live in."
When's the start date?
The third series is due to start filming in Scotland later this year.
That means it's unlikely it'll hit our screens anytime soon. However, there's a chance Vigil series 3 will land in late 2025 or early 2026 - if we're lucky!
Vigil series 1, set on a nuclear submarine called HMS Vigil, aired in August 2021. Series 2 came in December 2023. It saw the detectives investigate when a weapons test turned deadly.
So the Beeb has often made us wait at least two years between series, although this is probably a result of Suranne and Rose's busy schedules.
Is Vigil any good?
Well, millions of viewers can't be wrong, can they? The BBC report that "Vigil is one of the UK's most successful dramas this decade".
It was nominated for Best Drama Series at the 2022 BAFTA Television Awards, and went on to win the International Emmy for Best Drama Series.
Series two launched to nearly nine million viewers and was in the BBC's top three most watched dramas of the year.
And, of course, the guest cast - which has included Dougray Scott, Adam James, Shaun Evans, and Martin Compston - doesn't hurt either.
Who will be in the cast of Vigil series 3?
Although the BBC has not yet confirmed the guest cast, we do know that leading actors Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie will be back in another tricky case.
Suranne Jones - best known for Doctor Foster, Gentleman Jack, and Coronation Street - said: "I can't wait to return to Vigil series three, see our brilliant team in Scotland and work with Rose again. I'm sure it will be a thrill of a ride."
Meanwhile, Rose Leslie added: "I can't wait to get stuck into another season of Vigil, to work with the wonderful Suranne Jones again and our brilliant crew. And this time, Kirsten will get to pack her bags and join Amy on what's set to be Vigil's most high-stakes mission yet!"
Rose is famous for playing Ygritte in the acclaimed HBO series Game of Thrones. She recently appeared in Miss Austen opposite Keeley Hawes.
How many episodes is it? How can I watch it?
Vigil series 3 will be six episodes of one hour each.
This follows the same format as series 1 and 2, which are currently available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
