AceShowbiz - Ella Purnell is back in a sinister new role for the highly anticipated second season of Sweetpea, the dark comedy thriller streaming on Starz. Known most recently for her portrayal of Lucy in Prime Video’s Fallout, Purnell takes on a chilling transformation as Rhiannon, a once-overlooked wallflower who becomes a murderous presence in this gripping British series.

The show, adapted from C.J. Skuse’s novel of the same name, captivated audiences with its unique blend of suspense and dark humor when it debuted in 2024. It earned an impressive 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and quickly secured a renewal for season 2, which promises even more tension and bloodshed as the story unfolds.

In the first official images released by Sky and Starz, Purnell appears in character with the word “monster” graffiti-tagged on a wall behind her, clutching a ketchup bottle in a sinister nod to her violent tendencies. This visual signals the return of Rhiannon following the cliffhanger ending of season 1, which left viewers eager for more of her deadly escapades.

The new season’s synopsis provides a glimpse into the escalating drama: Rhiannon is juggling a recent promotion, navigating a tempting rebound romance, and facing a copycat killer who threatens to unmask her darkest secrets. The mounting “kill list” forces her to confront a haunting question posed by her ex, AJ: is she truly a monster?

Season 2 also introduces several new characters to the cast. Rish Shah joins as Gabriel, Rhiannon’s new romantic interest, while Tamsin Greig plays Liv, the mother of AJ. Taj Atwal, known for Riot Women and Line of Duty, appears as Freya, Rhiannon’s formidable new boss at the Carnsham Gazette. Jenny Walser, recognized from Heartstopper and Star City, portrays Daisy, an adoring new friend. The season will also see the return of fan favorites including Jon Pointing, Jeremy Swift, Leah Harvey, Ingrid Oliver, Nitin Ganatra, and Alexandra Dowling.

Purnell continues to expand her career with upcoming projects such as That Time We Met, The Scury, and Viqueens, where she plays Princess Ingrid. Meanwhile, Sweetpea remains available for streaming on Starz, though an official release date for its second season has yet to be announced.

With its compelling mix of dark comedy and thriller elements, Sweetpea has carved out a distinct niche in the crowded TV landscape. Fans of the series eagerly await the return of Ella Purnell’s complex and dangerous Rhiannon, who promises to keep viewers on edge as she navigates new challenges and threats in the upcoming season.

The series continues to deliver sharp writing, engaging performances, and a fresh take on the genre, solidifying its status as a must-watch for thriller enthusiasts. As production moves forward, anticipation builds for a season packed with suspense, intrigue, and the kind of dark humor that made season 1 such a standout success.