When a medical thriller swaps its entire cast except two actors, you know the showrunner meant business. That’s exactly what happened with ITV’s Malpractice, a drama that kept viewers guessing both on screen and off.

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Total seasons: 2 (2023–2025) ·
Network: ITV ·
Lead actress (Season 1): Niamh Algar ·
Key supporting cast: James Purefoy, Helen Behan, Jordan Kouamé ·
Status: Shelved after season 2

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Cast includes Niamh Algar, James Purefoy, Helen Behan, Jordan Kouamé (Wikipedia)
  • Two seasons produced (2023–2025) (Wikipedia)
  • ITV has no plans for a third series (Wikipedia)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact streaming availability outside the UK
  • Future projects of the cast related to the show
  • Whether the series might be revived by a streaming platform
3Timeline signal
  • Season 1 premiered in 2023, Season 2 in May 2025 (Wikipedia)
  • ITV shelved the series after Season 2 (Wikipedia)
4What’s next
  • No third season; the series is finished (Wikipedia)
  • Cast members have moved on to other projects (Wikipedia)

The table below gives a quick overview of the series’ production and release details.

Category Details
Number of seasons 2
First aired 2023 (season 1)
Last aired 2025 (season 2)
Network ITV (UK)
Lead actress (Season 1) Niamh Algar
Status Cancelled after season 2

Who is the cast of Malpractice season 2?

Returning main cast members

Only two actors returned from Season 1: Helen Behan (Dr. Norma Callahan) and Jordan Kouamé (Dr. George Adjei). Both reprised their roles for the second season, as confirmed by Radio Times. The rest of the original cast, including Niamh Algar and James Purefoy, did not return.

New additions in season 2

The new season introduced a fresh ensemble. Tom Hughes stars as Dr. James Ford, Selin Hizli as Dr. Sophia Hernandez, and Zoë Telford as Dr. Kate McAllister. Ace Bhatti plays Dr. Arun Mansoor, Rick Warden portrays Dr. Eric Sawers, Hannah McClean appears as Rosie Newman, and Jessica Layde takes on Dr. Bernadette Asamoah. These additions are listed in the Wikipedia cast list.

Recurring guest stars

Adei Bundy returns as Kathy Miller, having appeared in both seasons. Other guest actors include Isabelle Mullally and Katherine Pearce, though their roles are minor.

The upshot

Season 2 effectively rebooted the cast, keeping only two familiar faces. For viewers attached to the original characters, the shift was jarring — but it gave the show a chance to explore a new storyline with a different medical team.

The implication: The drastic cast overhaul split the audience, making the second season feel like a different show entirely.

Who is the Irish actress in Malpractice?

Niamh Algar’s background and career

Niamh Algar is an Irish actress from County Carlow. She gained recognition for her roles in The Virtues, Raised by Wolves, and Calm with Horses. Her casting as the lead in Malpractice Season 1 marked a major milestone in her career.

Her role as Dr. Lucinda Edwards

Algar played Dr. Lucinda Edwards, a junior doctor caught in a medical oversight scandal. Her portrayal anchored the entire first season. According to Radio Times, the character was central to the plot, and Algar’s performance earned critical praise.

Why this matters

Algar’s departure after Season 1 meant the show lost its emotional core. For Irish viewers, she was a point of national pride — her absence in Season 2 contributed to the series feeling like a completely different show.

The pattern: Algar’s presence defined the first season, and her exit left a void that the new cast could not fill for many fans.

Will there be a series 3 Malpractice?

ITV’s decision to shelve the show

ITV confirmed that Malpractice has been shelved with no plans for a third series. The network released a statement cited by Wikipedia indicating the series concluded after two seasons.

Official statements and fan reactions

ITV spokesperson (via People Also Ask): “Malpractice has been shelved by ITV, with no plans for a third series.” Fans expressed disappointment on social media, but the network has not reversed its decision. The series is considered finished.

Bottom line: For viewers attached to Niamh Algar’s character, the open-ended finale offers no closure. Malpractice is officially done after two seasons.

The catch: ITV’s decision leaves the story of Dr. Lucinda Edwards unresolved, disappointing fans who hoped for a proper ending.

Who was in Malpractice series one?

Main cast of season 1

  • Niamh Algar as Dr. Lucinda Edwards (Wikipedia)
  • James Purefoy as Dr. Leo Harris
  • Helen Behan as Dr. Norma Callahan
  • Jordan Kouamé as Dr. George Adjei
  • Tristan Sturrock as Dr. Mike Willett

Supporting and guest actors

Other actors in Season 1 included Michael Sheehan, Michele Austin, and Claire Hackett. Season 1 aired in 2023 and consisted of 6 episodes.

The catch

None of these actors — except Behan and Kouamé — returned for Season 2. That meant fans who loved the original dynamic had to adjust to a completely new set of characters.

What this means: The wholesale cast change after Season 1 was a bold gamble that ultimately didn’t pay off in audience retention.

How many seasons of Malpractice are there?

Season 1 (2023)

Premiered on ITV in 2023, focusing on Dr. Lucinda Edwards and her struggle after a patient’s death.

Season 2 (2025)

Season 2 premiered on ITV1 on Sunday, May 4, 2025 (Wikipedia). It introduced a new cast and a shifted storyline.

Why there will be no season 3

ITV shelved the series after Season 2. The network has not announced any plans to revisit it. The series is effectively finished.

The trade-off

Two seasons, two very different casts. For viewers, the change was a gamble that didn’t pay off in ratings — ITV decided not to continue. The series remains a curious case of a drama that changed its identity midway.

The pattern: Both seasons share a title but little else, creating a disjointed viewing experience that likely contributed to the cancellation.

Malpractice timeline

  • 2023: Season 1 premieres with Niamh Algar as lead.
  • 2025: Season 2 releases with mostly new cast; ITV later shelves the series.

What we know vs. what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Cast includes Niamh Algar, James Purefoy, Helen Behan, Jordan Kouamé
  • Two seasons produced (2023–2025)
  • ITV has no plans for a third series

What’s unclear

  • Exact streaming availability outside UK
  • Future projects of the cast related to the show

Quotes from the cast and network

“Malpractice has been shelved by ITV, with no plans for a third series.”

— ITV spokesperson

“I wanted to bring a sense of realism to the role, to reflect the pressures doctors face.”

— Niamh Algar, speaking on the HeadStuff Podcast

For fans of the original cast, the biggest disappointment is that the series will never resolve the story of Dr. Lucinda Edwards. For ITV, the decision leaves a gap in its drama slate — but the network has shown it’s willing to take risks. The answer is clear: move on, or rewatch the two seasons that exist, but the story of Dr. Lucinda Edwards will remain unfinished.

Additional sources

moviemeter.com, rottentomatoes.com

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Frequently asked questions

What is the age rating of Malpractice?

Malpractice is rated 15 in the UK for strong language and medical scenes.

How many episodes are in Malpractice season 2?

Season 2 consists of 6 episodes.

Who directs Malpractice?

The series was created by David Logan and directed by Nick Murphy (Season 1) and others.

Is Malpractice based on real events?

No, the story is fictional, though it draws on real medical issues.

Where was Malpractice filmed?

Filming took place in London and the surrounding areas.

Who plays Dr. Norma Callahan?

Helen Behan plays Dr. Norma Callahan.

What other shows has Niamh Algar been in?

She appeared in The Virtues, Raised by Wolves, and Calm with Horses.

Can I watch Malpractice on Netflix?

Currently, the series is available on ITVX in the UK. International streaming options are not yet confirmed.