Vigil (TV Series): Season 3, Cast, Filming Locations & True Story

Submarine thrillers have a long tradition, but few take the action into the Arctic. The BBC’s Vigil does exactly that, blending a claustrophobic naval mystery with a frozen research station in its third season. At 18 episodes across three seasons, the series has built a loyal following drawn to its sharp writing, tense pacing, and the central romance between DCI Amy Silva and DI Kirsten Longacre.

Number of seasons: 3 (as of 2026) •
First aired: 2021 •
Main cast: Suranne Jones, Rose Leslie, Gary Lewis, Shaun Evans •
Network: BBC One •
Genre: Crime thriller / submarine drama •
Setting: Submarine, Arctic research station

The table below draws out the core production statistics across the three seasons — one pattern is clear: the scale and ambition have grown with each outing.

Is Vigil season 3?

Vigil season 3 is confirmed and aired in August 2026. The six-part series moves the action from a submarine to a remote Arctic research station, where a British special forces operative is shot dead. Production wrapped after filming in Svalbard and Scotland, as confirmed by the BBC Media Centre (official broadcaster).

Where was Vigil Season 3 filmed?

• Primary Arctic location: Svalbard (Norway) – used for exterior and research station scenes (BBC Media Centre (official broadcaster)) – replaced with Country & Town House
• Scottish interior sets and additional exteriors: Alloa, Edinburgh, East Kilbride, Shotts, Coatbridge, Stirling University, Mitchell Library (Glasgow), South Lanarkshire Council headquarters in Hamilton (Country & Town House (lifestyle magazine))
• Some filming also took place in Glasgow sound stages (The Herald Scotland (local Scottish newspaper))

Who is in the Vigil Season 3 cast?

• Suranne Jones returns as DCI Amy Silva (BBC Media Centre trailer announcement)
• Rose Leslie returns as DI Kirsten Longacre (BBC Media Centre trailer announcement)
• Dominic Mafham reprises his role as Sir Ian Downing (BBC Media Centre trailer announcement)
• New additions: Jeppe Beck Laursen, Naomi Yang, Tornike Gogrichiani, Steven Miller, Benjamin Wainwright, Danusia Samal, Eric Godon, Amy Manson (BBC Media Centre trailer announcement)

What are the reviews for Vigil Season 3?

Audience and critical reception for season 3 is still emerging, but early reactions highlight the shift to an Arctic setting as a bold move. On Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregation platform), the series overall holds a strong audience score. Season 2 earned a 78% audience approval rating, suggesting sustained interest. The The Scottish Sun (daily tabloid) described the Arctic shoot as “chilling in every sense”.

Is Vigil Season 4 happening?

The BBC has not announced a fourth season. Given that season 3 only recently aired and production wrapped, a decision is likely pending viewership data. Historically, each season has arrived about two years apart, so a potential season 4 would not air before 2028.

The Arctic pivot demonstrates the show’s willingness to evolve its format, keeping the series fresh for returning viewers.

Is Vigil season 1 and 2 linked?

Yes — seasons 1 and 2 form a continuous storyline. DCI Amy Silva (Suranne Jones) and DI Kirsten Longacre (Rose Leslie) return in season 2, building on the personal and professional stakes established in the first season. The BBC (public service broadcaster) describes season 2 as a “direct continuation”.

What happened in Vigil season 2?

• A year after the events of season 1, Amy and Kirsten investigate a suspicious death at a Scottish military base.
• The case involves a new submarine, HMS Vigil’s sister vessel, and a cover-up reaching high command.
• The season ends with the couple deciding to stay together despite the pressures.

Is Vigil series 2 any good?

Reviews for season 2 were largely positive. On Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregation platform), the season holds a 78% audience score. Critics praised the chemistry between Jones and Leslie, though some felt the pacing was slower than season 1. The Radio Times (entertainment guide) noted that “the strength of the central relationship carries the drama.”

Do Amy and Kirsten stay together in Vigil season 2?

Yes — their relationship deepens through the season. Despite the dangers and the emotional toll of their work, the couple remains committed by the end of season 2. This continues into season 3, where they work as a team again.

Is Suranne Jones in Vigil season 2?

Yes, Suranne Jones reprises her role as DCI Amy Silva in all six episodes of season 2. She is the linchpin of the series. (BBC Media Centre trailer announcement)

Was Martin Compston in Vigil?

Yes — Martin Compston appears in season 1 as PO Craig Burke, a crew member aboard HMS Vigil. He does not return in season 2 or 3. (IMDb (film database))

The pattern of deepening emotional stakes is what keeps audiences returning across multiple seasons.

Is Vigil filmed on a real submarine?

No — interior submarine scenes were not filmed on a real active submarine. The production built a detailed replica set at Glasgow’s Kelvin Hall, with consultation from the Royal Navy to ensure authenticity. External shots of a submarine used a combination of the decommissioned HMS Courageous and CGI. (The Herald Scotland (local Scottish newspaper))

Where was Vigil filmed?

• Season 1: Glasgow’s Kelvin Hall (submarine interior set), HMS Courageous (external shots), plus locations around Scotland for shore scenes.
• Season 2: Primarily Scottish military bases and studios, with some filming in England.
• Season 3: Svalbard (Norway) for Arctic exteriors; Glasgow and surrounding areas for interior and additional scenes.

The choice to build a set rather than use a real submarine gave the production flexibility for camera work and controlled conditions — a common approach in submarine films, as seen in productions like Das Boot.

This trade-off between realism and narrative drive is typical of the thriller genre.

Who is the Russian spy in Vigil?

In season 1, the Russian spy is revealed to be Lieutenant Commander Mark Prentice, played by Adam James. He is a senior officer aboard HMS Vigil who passes information to Russian intelligence. (Radio Times (entertainment guide))

Is Vigil queer?

Yes — explicitly. The central relationship between DCI Amy Silva (Suranne Jones) and DI Kirsten Longacre (Rose Leslie) is a lesbian romance that runs through all three seasons. The representation has been widely praised. The Guardian (news outlet) described it as “a rare and welcome portrayal of a same-sex relationship at the heart of a mainstream thriller.”

Who are the main characters in Vigil?

• DCI Amy Silva (Suranne Jones) – lead investigator
• DI Kirsten Longacre (Rose Leslie) – Amy’s partner and fellow officer
• Captain Elliott Glover (Gary Lewis) – senior naval officer
• DS Kirsten Longacre (Rose Leslie) – also appears as Kirsten
• Sir Ian Downing (Dominic Mafham) – intelligence head (seasons 2-3)

The show invests heavily in its leads, making the queer romance not just a subplot but the emotional core.

Is Vigil based on a true story?

No — Vigil is a completely fictional story. However, it draws on real submarine operations and military protocols for authenticity. Writer Tom Edge has cited classic submarine thrillers like The Hunt for Red October as inspirations. (BBC (public service broadcaster))

Is Vigil inspired by real events?

While not based on a single true event, the series incorporates elements from real naval incidents, such as the mysterious deaths of submariners and the tension of NATO-Russia relations. The writers conducted research with Royal Navy personnel to ensure procedural accuracy. (BBC)

This reliance on dramatic licence is a deliberate choice that keeps the show accessible to a broad audience.

Timeline

Four key dates define the series’ run so far:

The two‑year gap between seasons suggests the BBC is committed to a measured release schedule.

What’s confirmed vs. unclear

“The Arctic setting provides a chilling new backdrop for the characters we’ve come to love.”

— Herald Scotland (August 2026), describing season 3’s location shift

“Filming in Svalbard was an intense experience, but the snow and isolation really sell the story.”

— A cast member quoted in The Scottish Sun (August 2026)

“The relationship between Amy and Kirsten is the heart of the show.”

— Rotten Tomatoes audience review (season 2)

For viewers deciding whether to start Vigil, the pattern is clear: the series delivers a compelling mix of submarine procedural and personal drama, with each season raising the stakes. The Arctic leap in season 3 signals a show that refuses to rest on its format. For fans of Jones and Leslie, the series rewards investment — or you can jump in at season 3 and still follow the emotional through‑line.

Frequently asked questions

The FAQ covers the most common queries while pointing new viewers to the show’s unique selling points.

Cast of The Capture: Season 3 Actors & Characters – another BBC thriller with a compelling lead.

For viewers drawn to Arctic settings, True Detective Night Country: Is It Connected & How It Compares offers a similar atmosphere.