Madame Blanc meets The Night Manager: Signora Volpe is the British spy series that’ll keep you guessing

Here at GH, we’ll admit it: we’re absolute suckers for a crime drama. Whether it’s a cosy whodunnit with a village twist or a gritty thriller filled with espionage and betrayal, there’s something about unravelling a mystery that keeps us glued to our screens. And now, one show has quietly become the talk of the town: Acorn TV’s Signora Volpe – a show described by fans as “The Madame Blanc Mysteries meets The Night Manager.”

Packed with intrigue, drenched in sun-soaked Italian landscapes, and led by the ever-watchable Emilia Fox, this spy-turned-sleuth drama is quickly becoming a must-watch. If you haven’t yet caught up with the first two series, consider this your spoiler-free guide to the show everyone’s whispering about – and why series 3 promises to be the most explosive yet.

What is Signora Volpe about?

At its heart, Signora Volpe follows Sylvia ‘Signora Volpe’ Fox, a disillusioned ex-MI6 operative who swaps the corridors of London power for the rolling hills of Umbria. What starts as a family visit soon spirals into something much darker when she stumbles upon a murder. But this is no ordinary detective: Sylvia has the skills of a spy, and when secrets surface in small Italian towns, she can’t resist the lure of uncovering the truth.

Series 1 introduced us to Sylvia at her niece’s wedding, where a body turns up in the lake behind the groom’s house. With local police baffled, Sylvia steps in – peeling back layers of corruption, mob ties, and age-old vendettas.

By Series 2, she’s made Italy her home. Gone are the days of MI6 paperwork – now she’s chasing kidnappers, infiltrating dangerous networks, and untangling local feuds. There’s romance too, in the form of dashing police captain Giovanni Riva, but life in Umbria is far from simple. Even her family dinners are often interrupted by a shocking twist.

What will happen in Series 3?

If you thought Series 2 was dramatic, buckle up. The upcoming three-part run promises more glamour, more danger, and more heartbreak than ever before.

The new series opens with Sylvia recovering from her traumatic abduction – both physically and mentally. She’s determined to build a quieter life in Umbria, surrounded by wine, olives, and family. But of course, danger never stays away for long.

This time, her investigations include:

The violent death of a beloved local winemaker.

A mysterious young man found dead in the marital bed of a couple who insist they’ve never seen him before.

And secrets closer to home, involving her ex-husband Adam Haines (Jamie Bamber), who may have shocking ties to her kidnappers.

And just when Sylvia seems ready to settle down with Captain Riva, tragedy strikes closer to her heart than ever before. It’s safe to say she has her hands full.

Who’s in the cast of Series 3?

Fans will be thrilled to see familiar faces return alongside intriguing new additions. The confirmed cast includes:

Emilia Fox as Sylvia Fox – the sharp, resourceful ex-MI6 agent whose new life in Italy is anything but quiet.

Giovanni Cirfiera as Capitano Giovanni Riva – Sylvia’s steadfast ally and romantic interest, torn between duty and love.

Tara Fitzgerald as Isabel Vitale – Sylvia’s glamorous yet complicated sister.

Matteo Carlomagno as Matteo Vitale – Isabel’s son, caught between youthful ambition and family loyalty.

Elena Di Cioccio as Brigadiere Roberta Barzini – Riva’s right hand in the local police force.

Jamie Bamber as Adam Haines – Sylvia’s ex-husband, whose past dealings are darker than anyone realised.

Buffy Davis as Miriam Cavendish – the eccentric English neighbour with a knack for gossip.

Together, they weave a world where romance, betrayal, and murder constantly collide.

Will there be a trailer?

Acorn TV hasn’t released an official trailer for Series 3 just yet. But fans can expect stunning shots of Umbrian hillsides, candlelit piazzas, and shadowy crime scenes – all the hallmarks that made the first two series such a hit. Until then, you can revisit the dramatic trailer for Series 2, which is still available on YouTube.

Why is everyone talking about Signora Volpe?

Part of its charm lies in its balance: it’s neither too grim nor too cosy. Think Midsomer Murders meets Killing Eve. The mysteries are gripping, the settings are delicious, and Emilia Fox gives Sylvia a vulnerability that keeps her relatable. She’s no superwoman; she’s a woman starting over, haunted by her past, yet still willing to risk it all to protect those she loves.

Critics have praised the writing team, Rachel Cuperman and Sally Griffiths (best known for Midsomer Murders), for creating a female-led spy story that feels both fresh and timeless. And audiences have fallen in love with the escapism – each episode offers a holiday in Umbria, with a side order of murder.

How can I watch Signora Volpe?

Acorn TV hasn’t confirmed the exact release date for Series 3 yet, but it is expected to land in late autumn. In the meantime, you can stream Series 1 and 2 on U&Drama or catch up via Acorn TV’s on-demand library. Perfect weekend binge-watch material.

Is it worth watching?

In a word: yes. With its mix of espionage, family drama, Italian glamour, and good old-fashioned murder mysteries, Signora Volpe offers something for everyone. Emilia Fox anchors the series with grace and steel, while the Italian landscapes are a character in their own right.

As Sylvia herself proves, you can leave MI6 behind – but you can never really walk away from danger. And for viewers, that’s exactly why we can’t stop watching.