Created by BAFTA-winning writer Sally Wainwright, original drama Happy Valley has been commissioned for a second series by BBC One Controller Charlotte Moore and BBC Drama Commissioning Controller Ben Stephenson. It is produced by RED Production Company for BBC One.

Starring Sarah Lancashire, the critically acclaimed series was a huge ratings hit for BBC One during its six-week run, pulling in a weekly consolidated audience of almost 8 million and an average overnight audience of 5.5 million.

RED Production Company’s founder and executive producer Nicola Shindler says: “Sally created a truly magnificent series with very real, complex characters, an engaging plot and breathtaking storyline. I am delighted that we will be able to delve deeper into Catherine’s world in series two.”

The second series of the hit drama will go into production in 2015, to be broadcast later in the year.

Charlotte Moore, Controller, BBC One, says: “Sally Wainwright’s sensational series gripped the nation. Visceral, emotional and provocative from beginning to end, it was fantastic to see our audience on tenterhooks, begging for more. The series is testimony to the creative ambition, quality and breadth of original British drama on BBC One and I can’t wait for the second series to begin.”

Happy Valley has been hailed by critics as ‘utterly compelling’ (Daily Mail); ‘unmissable’ (The Guardian) and ‘one of the best watches of 2014’ (The Telegraph), with Sarah Lancashire’s performance already tipped for a BAFTA next year.

Happy Valley is a RED Production Company production for BBC One. It is created, written and executive produced by Sally Wainwright, produced by Karen Lewis and directed by Euros Lyn and Sally Wainwright. Executive producers are Nicola Shindler for RED Production Company and Matthew Read for the BBC.

RED Production Company and Sally Wainwright are also currently in pre-production on a third series of the multi Bafta award-winning Last Tango In Halifax for BBC One.

With thanks to BBC Media and BBC Pictures