Sanditon season 2 is now on ITV with more romantic adventures for our heroine, Charlotte Heywood, and this time her sister as well!
At one stage it was looking like the costume drama wouldn’t return, but then it was announced that the series would be getting another run. And it's once again a hugely entertaining show.
The first series was accused of “sexing up” Jane Austen’s unfinished novel, but some of the cast defended the saucy content and it certainly proved popular with viewers!
MASTERPIECE in the US and BritBox in the UK teamed up to make the second series. Having already gone out on those services, it's now heading to ITV.
Here's everything you need to know about the new series, including who's back and who's not... plus we have included episode recaps.
We must say the new series has echoes of Bridget Jones! Watch and you'll see what we mean!
Sanditon season 2 ITV release date
Sanditon season 2 will debut on ITV on Friday 22 July at 9 pm. It's already available on BritBox.
Sanditon season 2 was released in the US on Sunday, March 20, 2022.
Sanditon season 2 was released on Monday 21 March on BritBox in the UK. Check out our full list of BritBox shows. The whole series is now available on BritBox.
What’s the plot?
Well, there are plenty of romance! “Fans who are craving romance and escape will find them in abundance in the new season of Sanditon, with its intriguing characters and captivating storylines,” teased MASTERPIECE Executive Producer Susanne Simpson before the series aired.
Once again the story revolves around Charlotte Heywood, who soon has two men as potential suitors. Meanwhile, Georgina “is keen to forge her own identity, gets up to mischief in the name of love… but will she run the risk of being lonelier than ever before?” Plus, the army’s arrival brings in the prospect of more possible romances.
Charlotte takes up the role of governess to Augusta Wilson (Eloise Webb), Alexander Colbourne’s ward and niece, who causes Charlotte plenty of trouble!
Plus, the makers teased: "Tom Parker (Kris Marshall) strives to rebuild Sanditon but there are many unforeseen issues awaiting him, while the secrets and lies of the dysfunctional Denhams continue to rock the foundations of the sunny seaside town."
We have episode recaps below. But please note they have spoilers!
Is Theo James back as Sidney Parker?
No, sadly, Theo James isn't back as Sidney Parker in series two. The first series largely revolved around whether Sidney and Charlotte would become an item. Alas, the opening series concluded with them admitting their feelings for each other, but Sidney having committed to marrying another woman.
Theo James released a statement saying: “Although I relished playing Sidney, for me, I’ve always maintained that his journey concluded as I wanted it to. The broken fairy-tale ending between Charlotte and Sidney is different, unique and so interesting to me and I wish the cast and crew of Sanditon every success with future series.”
#SanditonPBS will return w/ seasons 2 & 3 and continue Charlotte’s journey through life & love. While Sidney Parker will not return, rest assured that an abundance of romance & adventure lies ahead for the Sanditon heroine. We can’t wait for you to see what we have in store… 💕 pic.twitter.com/8ioma0RbwFMay 7, 2021
Who are the new characters in Sanditon season 2?
Charlotte has two new potential partners. Alexander Colbourne (Ben Lloyd-Hughes, Industry), is a mysterious resident with a complex past, while starkly different is self-assured war hero Colonel Francis Lennox (Tom Weston-Jones, Grace).
Charlotte’s spirited younger sister, Alison, (Rosie Graham, Outlander) is also introduced and she quickly finds romance in the shape of charming Captain William Carter (Maxim Ays, Still So Awkward).
We also meet the courageous Captain Declan Fraser (Frank Blake, Normal People) and the flamboyant Charles Lockhart (Alexander Vlahos, Versailles), who plans to paint the fashionable residents.
Who’s in the cast?
The cast includes:
Rose Williams as Charlotte Heywood
Kris Marshall as Tom Parker
Anne Reid as Lady Denham
Crystal Clarke as Georgina Lambe
Kate Ashfield as Mary Parker
Jack Fox as Sir Edward Denham
Charlotte Spencer as Esther Denham
Ben Lloyd-Hughes as Alexander Colbourne
Tom Weston-Jones as Colonel Francis Lennox
Rosie Graham as Alison Heywood
Maxim Ays as Captain William Carter
Frank Blake as Captain Declan Fraser
Alexander Vlahos as Charles Lockhart
What happens in episode one of Sanditon season 2?
The series opens in the Caribbean, where we quickly discover that Sidney Parker has died! Charlotte was in love with Sidney, who ended up marrying another woman to clear his brother's debts. Sidney’s death leaves a shadow over Sanditon.
Meanwhile, the army has come to town and among them is dashing Colonel Francis Lennox. Charlotte takes a governess position with Alexander Colbourne’s household.
What happens in episode two?
Charlotte starts her job as a governess, but what is she to make of her charges? Charlotte finds she has her work cut out! Meanwhile, Charlotte’s sister, Alison, finds herself rapidly falling in love with a young army captain, William.
Esther continues to be distressed as she cannot have a child. Georgina finds herself being infuriated by artist Charles Lockhart. Colbourne loses his bet that Charlotte won’t last a week. There’s a surprise for Esther and Lady Denham as Clara returns and reveals she’s pregnant with Edward’s child!
What happens in episode three?
Colonel Lennox and Charlotte get a little closer. Georgina scolds Lockhart for his sketch. But is there a connection between the pair? Charlotte impresses Colbourne when she calms his horse. Alison falls further in love with her captain.
Meanwhile, the shopkeepers are unhappy about all the army’s unpaid bills. Edward tries to convince Esther and Lady Denham he’s a changed man. Esther is the only one on hand when Clara gives birth. Colonel Lennox warns Charlotte about Colbourne. He claims that Colbourne stole his true love from him and then destroyed her. But is he telling the truth?
What happens in episode four?
Charlotte worries that her sister has fallen in love too quickly. She tries to warn her that she’s rushing into things, but Alison won’t listen. Georgina and Lockhart continue their love/hate relationship. Enemies Esther and Clara surprisingly start to bond over the baby.
After a decade, Colborne finally attends a society event. William rows Alison out in a boat to propose, but she falls in and he fails to rescue her! Luckily, Captain Declan manages to rescue her! Alison releases William isn’t the man she thought he was. Meanwhile, things turn very Bridget Jones when Colbourne and Lennox clash at Lady Denham’s event! But which one is Charlotte’s Mr Darcy?
What happens in episode five?
Edward steps up his wicked plan to drug Esther to convince Lady Denham she's going mad and thus disinherit her. Clara is going along with the plan for now, but will she come to Esther's rescue?
Alison is feeling wretched after being let down by William and is threatening to leave Sanditon. But she eventually stays for the ball and it's clear she has a connection with Captain Declan. Captain Lennox proposes to Charlotte! But Charlotte rejects him and horrible Lennox reveals what a cad he is when he starts berating Charlotte for her decision. Colbourne, at last, reveals the truth to Charlotte about his mysterious past, and the pair kiss! Has Charlotte found happiness finally?
Is there a trailer?
A trailer has arrived and it looks just as gloriously sumptuous as the first series. "I’m exceedingly fond of Sanditon and its people in it," declares Charlotte in the short clip. She adds, at the end: "Love is not as simple as you seem to think…". Well it's certainly not simple for poor Charlotte.
