‘Scott & Bailey’ relationship to be tested
The fourth series of popular crime drama, Scott and Bailey, co-created and written by Sally Wainwright (Happy Valley, Last Tango in Halifax), has commenced filming in Oldham and Manchester.
Suranne Jones and Lesley Sharp reprise their roles as crime-fighting team, Scott & Bailey in the 8-part series which will see their relationship sorely tested as both seek the same promotion to Detective Sergeant.
Amelia Bullmore (Di and Viv and Rose at the Hampstead Theatre) reprises her role as plain-speaking D.C.I. Gill Murray who keeps control of Syndicate 9 and will also write four of the scripts for the new series. Former Coronation Street actor Lee Warburton will write two episodes with Emily Ballou (American Blackout, Case Histories) writing the remaining episodes.
Danny Webb (Locke, Poirot, Lightfields) joins the cast as family man D.C. Chris Crowley. Sally Lindsay, returns as Bailey’s sister Alison, as does Danny Miller (Emmerdale) as D.S. Rob Waddington.
“We’re thrilled to be producing a new series of Scott & Bailey,” said Director of RED Production Company Nicola Shindler. “It’s rewarding to think the public have become so familiar with the characters and taken them to heart. With this new series, we have the chance to explore great story ideas and continue developing those characters,” she added.
ITV’s Director of Drama, Steve November said: “ITV Drama without Scott & Bailey would be unthinkable, Its reputation for quality storytelling and great characterisation precedes it and it’s become a firm favourite with ITV viewers. We’re delighted to be working with Nicola, Sally and RED Production Company on a fourth series.”
Produced by RED Production Company, and based on an idea by Suranne Jones and Sally Lindsay, Scott & Bailey has increased its audience share over the three series with the finale of series 3 watched by an average 7.1 million viewers (27% audience share).
Executive producing is Sally Wainwright with Director of RED Production Company Nicola Shindler (Prey, Last Tango in Halifax) and Tom Sherry (Prey). Juliet Charlesworth (Hit & Miss) will produce the new series with Simon Delaney (Parents) and Noreen Kershaw (Moving On, Coronation Street) directing .
