‘The Paradise’ to return after ratings success

The BBC has announced they have recommissioned a second series of period drama, The Paradise before the first series has even concluded airing after successful ratings.

Made in-house by BBC Drama Productions, the drama created and written by Bill Gallagher and is set in the glamorous world of the first ever department store, starring Joanna Vanderham and Emun Elliott and has been attracting a strong loyal audience so far with an average consolidated audience of 5.9 million/22.5% share.

The series also stars: Sarah Lancashire, David Hayman, Elaine Cassidy, Matthew McNulty and Patrick Malahide.

Danny Cohen, Controller of BBC One, says: “The Paradise has been the biggest new drama series on British television so far this Autumn, and it has been really interesting to experiment with period drama on BBC One beyond the traditional Sunday night slot. I’m delighted that the show will be returning for a second series, and can assure its loyal following that there are still some dramatic twists to come in the three episodes still to air this Autumn.”

The popular series, adapted from the much-loved classic French novel by Emile Zola, follows smart, ambitious and big-hearted Denise Lovett played by rising star Joanna Vanderham who arrives in the city to find work. The store provides the catalyst for her rags-to-riches story as she falls in love with the exhilarating and dangerous charms of the modern world and her eyes are opened to a whole new world of possibilities.

Bill Gallagher, said: “I’m very grateful that there’s such a strong audience for The Paradise, and for the terrific support the BBC has given to the show to make that possible. It’s such a great ensemble of actors and such a rich group of characters that it’s an exciting prospect to have eight more episodes to make.”

Produced by BBC Drama Production. The executive producer for the BBC is Susan Hogg and the producer is Simon Lewis.

The final episode of series one of, ‘The Paradise’ will air on the 13 of November on BBC One at 9pm. Viewers will learn whether Moray (Elliott) will marry Katherine (Cassidy) or follow his heart with Denise.