Of her Sherwood character, Dolan told the BBC: “I read three episodes of the script and I thought they were extraordinary. It was like reading a George Eliot novel, in the way it cuts through society. Each character is so different with their own unique voice.

“In terms of my character, I found Ann very intriguing. In some ways she is very straightforward and her motives are clear. However, her way of operating and manipulating people to get what she wants can be quite complex. She is brave and if something doesn’t smell quite right, she follows her instincts.”

Dolan continued: “When you read the script, you’re constantly paying attention to how she behaves. What drives her, rather than just what she says. One thing that director Clio (Barnard) and I talked about was her relationship with her husband (Stephen Dillane).

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“As viewers will see, the trust between them is complete, he’s used to her leading, and they barely need to communicate with each other. They operate as a unit; they know it and everyone knows it.”

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“In terms of her psychology and what makes her tick, I talked to James (Graham) a lot,” Dolan continued.

“She’s incredibly territorial when it comes to the drug cartels, and the disruption in Episode 1 drives the subsequent repercussions, but how much of that is motivated by turf warfare and how much of that is driven by grief? Well, I’m not sure she knows that herself.”

Dolan joins a cast of new characters including David Harewood (Homeland), Sharlene Whyte (Small Axe) and Oliver Huntingdon (Happy Valley).

Of course, a number of familiar faces will also return to Sherwood, such as David Morrissey who once again plays the lead role as Ian St Clair, Lesley Manville as Julie Jackson and Lorraine Ashbourne as Daphne Sparrow.

While the first season of the acclaimed BBC drama focused on the aftermath of the 1980s miners’ strikes, this new season focuses on the modern-day rivalries and tensions simmering beneath the surface of this small community.

The official synopsis for Season 2 reads: “Season 2 will explore the powerful themes that made Season 1 so popular with British audiences.

Set in the present day, the story centers on two new families who become entangled with the Sparrow family, and find themselves caught up in a complex web of local gangs, old rivalries, revenge, and betrayal.

“Meanwhile, a newly appointed sheriff of Nottingham is passionately opposing a proposed new mine for the area. The mine promises much-needed jobs and prosperity, but is also an unpleasant reminder of the legacy that has haunted the community for so long.”

Season 2 of Sherwood begins with a double bill on Sunday 25th August and Monday 26th August at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Watch more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.