There was never meant to be a sequel, but the first series of The Tourist in 2022 proved so popular, the writers, Harry and Jack Williams, got together with the cast to see if there was more mileage in a second run.
To recap, Elliot (Jamie Dornan, star of Fifty Shades Of Grey, Belfast and more) was involved in a car crash in the outback that left him with amnesia. Why are people trying to kill him and just what was he involved with that he can’t remember?
The story picks up a year on, with sweet-natured police officer Helen Chambers (Danielle Macdonald) leaving Australia and going back with him to his roots in Ireland to find answers as to his identity. But here they face further dangerous consequences of his past actions.
Jamie Dornan is back in Season 2 of The Tourist – saying goodbye to the Outback and hello to Ireland.
(Image: Stan)“The harshness of the outback was such a massive part of the show in the first season, adding the sort of desperation and element of being lost that Elliot was going through,” Jamie, 41, tells TV WEEK.
“With the lush green of Ireland it feels like a slightly different show, but because of the way Jack and Harry write, it’s still so true to them and the tone and the absurdity of The Tourist.”
It’s in Ireland where Helen finds out more about who she really is too.
“In season one, she was definitely lacking self-esteem,” Danielle, 32, says. “But I think in season two it’s not so much that at all. Now, she’s quite confident, but is almost like, ‘OK, so now, what would I morally do?'”
When Elliot is abducted and thrown into a van in the opening episode, she seeks the help of yet another quirky character – a new one this time – in local detective Ruairi Slater (Conor MacNeill), who falls instantly in love with her. Meanwhile, back in Australia, her controlling fiancé Ethan (Greg Larsen) is intent on winning her back.
Danielle Macdonald returns as Helen Chambers.
(Image: Stan)“I think Jack and Harry found it funny that I was going to have three love interests this season – which I found quite funny too,” Danielle says. “Helen’s on a journey and it’s interesting to see her dynamic with all three men and what comes from that.”
“I think Ruairi is maybe not the best at his job,” Conor adds. “He has a real affinity with Helen very quickly. Danielle is a genius. There’s so much truthfulness and honesty in her acting and yet she’s incredibly technical with her comedy. Watching her was like going to school every day. I’m a big fan of Jamie too – this is the fifth time we’ve worked together.”
While filming the first season in Australia, Jamie says he did indeed fall in love – with Tim Tams and Chicken Crimpy Shapes.
“Those caramel Tim Tams are unbelievable,” Jamie says with a laugh. “I’ve found a shop near where I live that sells them, but somehow they don’t taste the same. But when Dani recently flew over from Sydney, she bought me four packs of Chicken Crimpy Shapes. I’m obsessed with them. They’re like crack to me!”
The Tourist is available to stream on Stan.
