The BBC's acclaimed crime drama The Gold has returned with its much-anticipated second series, diving deeper into the infamous Brink's-Mat robbery and its sprawling aftermath. The original 1983 heist, which saw £26 million worth of gold, jewellery, and cash stolen from the Heathrow International Trading Estate, remains one of Britain's most notorious crimes. Adjusted for inflation, that haul would be worth a staggering £111 million today.
Series one of The Gold captivated audiences by exploring the initial robbery and the subsequent police investigation, culminating in detective Brian Boyce’s chilling discovery that only half of the stolen gold had been recovered. The second series picks up this thread, delving into the complex web of criminal networks laundering the remaining £13 million and the personal stories of those involved.
One of the most fascinating figures brought to life in the series is Kenneth Noye, portrayed by Jack Lowden. Noye was a key player in the laundering operation, using his skills as a fence to help convert the stolen gold bullion into seemingly legitimate assets. The show portrays his shadowy involvement and the dangerous consequences that followed.
Following the robbery, Noye became a prime suspect for the police. In January 1985, during a period of intense surveillance, he fatally stabbed undercover officer Detective Constable John Fordham, who had been hiding in Noye's garden. Noye claimed self-defence in court, arguing he was unaware Fordham was an officer and felt threatened. Remarkably, he was acquitted of murder in December 1985.
However, Noye’s legal troubles were far from over. He was also tried for conspiracy to handle the stolen gold and was found guilty of melting down the bullion and mixing it with copper coins to disguise its origins. This conviction resulted in a 14-year prison sentence, though he served eight years before being released on licence in 1994.
But Noye’s violent tendencies re-emerged in 1996 during a road rage incident on the M25 motorway, where he stabbed 21-year-old Stephen Cameron to death. Following a worldwide manhunt—complicated by Noye’s use of a false identity—he was arrested in Spain in 1998 and extradited back to the UK the following year. During his trial in 2000, Noye again claimed self-defence, stating he confronted the other driver after being flashed by a car behind him and did not intend to provoke violence.
The court rejected his defence, sentencing Noye to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 16 years. After serving 20 years, he was released on licence in June 2019. The decision to free him was met with anguish by Cameron’s family, with his father expressing devastation and insisting, "Life should mean life." The series touches on these dramatic events, portraying the darker consequences of the heist and its ripple effects.
Fans of The Gold have eagerly awaited the continuation of this gripping story. After a two-year hiatus, the second series debuted on BBC One on June 8, 2025, with all six episodes available immediately on BBC iPlayer. The show airs new episodes every Sunday and Monday at 9 pm, although the second episode was briefly delayed to accommodate Wales’ World Cup qualifier against Belgium on June 9.
Series two begins in Tenerife, where John Palmer—another figure involved in the laundering operation—now runs a timeshare business. This setting marks a shift from the gritty London underworld to the international reach of the criminal networks involved. The narrative explores how the proceeds from the bullion heist were laundered through growing overseas connections, underscoring the global scale of the crime.
The return of The Gold has been met with widespread acclaim. Social media buzzes with praise for the show's intricate storytelling and compelling performances. Fans have highlighted Joshua McGuire’s portrayal of Donald and the show's nostalgic yet fresh approach to the 1980s crime drama genre. Critics laud the series for its meticulous attention to detail and authentic depiction of the heist and its aftermath, calling it a must-watch that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Hugh Bonneville leads the cast as Detective Brian Boyce, continuing his pursuit of justice in what is considered the Metropolitan Police’s most expensive investigation. The ensemble cast, including Tom Cullen as John Palmer and Stephen Campbell Moore, brings depth and nuance to the complex characters caught in this decades-long saga.
With the second series unfolding and fans already clamouring for a third, The Gold continues to shine a light on one of Britain’s most infamous crimes, blending fact and drama to explore the human stories behind the headlines. The series not only recounts the heist itself but also the far-reaching consequences that followed, from violence and betrayal to the relentless pursuit of stolen fortune.
For those yet to dive in, the full boxset of both series is available on BBC iPlayer, making it easy to binge the gripping tale of the Brink's-Mat robbery and its aftermath. As the show progresses, viewers can expect more twists, deeper character explorations, and a vivid portrayal of the criminal underworld that shaped this extraordinary story.
