BBC Two commissions a second series of radio-turned-TV comedy ‘Count Arthur Strong’

BBC Two comedy, Count Arthur Strong, is to return for a second series of 7×30-minute episodes following  its series one debut last night (Monday 8 July).

Written by Steve Delaney and Father Ted and The It Crowd writer Graham Linehan, the series stars Steve as ex-variety star Count Arthur Strong alongside Rory Kinnear as Michael, the son of his old performing partner, series two will see more laughs, tears and injuries as their lives continue to intertwine.

The series which has had his own Radio 4 series since 2005, pulled in an overnight audience of 971,000 viewers for its series one TV opener on BBC Two in the 8.30pm timeslot.

The second series will be written by Graham Linehan and Steve Delaney. and continue to star Steve and Rory Kinnear.

The series is a co-production between Retort and Komedia. Executive producers are Jon Rolph for Retort, Richard Daws for Komedia and Gregor Sharp for the BBC. The series is produced by Richard Boden.

Shane Allen, Controller, Comedy Commissioning said: “It’s a huge privilege to see Count Arthur Strong return. The combined talents of Graham Linehan, Steve Delaney and Rory Kinnear are too irresistible. This series has all the hallmarks of a BBC Two comedy classic with its superb character at the heart of it, brilliant writing and a dream supporting cast. Long may Arthur cause chaos around him.”