Outhwaite returns as Sergeant Jo McDonagh, along with Douglas Hodge (Sergeant Major Burns), James Thornton (Staff Sergeant Roper) and Gordon Kennedy (Sergeant Hornsby). The second series focuses on Sgt McDonagh a tough-talking, sassy member of the Army’s elite SIB, whose desire to impress and succeed is stronger then ever. Along with her colleagues she finds herself involved in espionage, terrorism, murder and drug and gun related crime. Meanwhile tensions and power struggles within the SIB continue throughout the series.

To prepare for her role as Sgt McDonagh, Tamzin Outhwaite spent a week doing Army training. Shadowed by a female SIB Sergeant, her training was designed to equip her for the challenges of playing Sgt McDonagh and included unarmed combat training, pistol training, driving, drill and gaining a solid understanding of the immense structure and organisation of the Army.

Red Cap was shot on location in Germany and the UK, with full support of the Army. Famed for its authenticity, the producers worked closely with military advisers. WO1 Clive Robbins and WO2 Gary Ward, from HQ Provost Marshal (Army), Upavon, were responsible for ensuring the accurate and realistic portrayal of the SIB and more broadly Army life. On set at all times, they advised on a variety of military and Royal Military Police (RMP) matters such as how the SIB speak to one another, how fingerprints are recovered, how soldiers wear their uniform, how the rest of the Army relates to the SIB and how scenes of crime are dealt with. Despite this, there is inevitably an element of dramatic license in the series.

Jonathan French of Army Corporate Communications said, “We are delighted to have continued our work with Stormy Pictures on the second series of Red Cap and are thrilled that the work of the SIB is being highlighted through this high profile TV drama.”

‘Red Caps’ is the nickname given to the Royal Military Police because of the red berets they wear. Red Caps are skilled and efficient officers and soldiers who provide police support for the Army during peace and war. Their work includes general and specialist police duties within the Army, such as crime prevention, military discipline, close protection and investigations. Without the SIB and RMP, military communities would not be properly protected from crime.

The job of a Red Cap is interesting, rewarding and challenging. It brings the benefits of being part of a close-knit, highly trained and motivated criminal investigation team as well as job security, travel opportunities, adventure training, specialist training and career development. For information on becoming a Red Cap log on to http://www.army.mod.uk/careers/specialist/jd_military_police.html

Red Cap is produced by Stormy Pictures for the BBC. It was written and created by Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Patrick Harbinson, a former Army soldier whose credits include ER and Soldier Soldier.