BBC One confirms recommission of popular Sally Wainwright drama

BBC One has confirmed BAFTA-winning drama, Last Tango In Halifax has been commissioned for a third series.

Creator and BAFTA-winning writer, Sally Wainwright had already confirmed the recommission in two previous interviews revealing she was already writing the third series.

Starring, Sir Derek Jacobi, Anne Reid, Nicola Walker and Sarah Lancashire, the feel-good drama produced by RED Production Company has been attracting 7.6 million consolidated viewers to BBC One (ep 2).

Writer and executive producer Sally Wainwright says: “I’m so happy we’ve got a third series, it’s so exciting to be able to take these characters further and to find out loads more stuff about them. What’s so great about writing for characters like Celia and Alan is that there is a wealth of back story to explore. Series three will be a whole new emotional ball game.”

Ben Stephenson, Controller of BBC Drama Commissioning, adds: “Sally Wainwright’s heartfelt scripts combined with the outstanding and stellar cast involved meant we couldn’t resist a third series of award-winning drama, Last Tango In Halifax for 2014. I can’t wait to see where these wonderful characters and stories will take the audience to next.”

RED Production Company’s founder and executive producer Nicola Shindler added: “Both series of Last Tango In Halifax have been a hit with audiences and critics alike thanks to the elusive combination of brilliant acting, a sincere and engaging script, and familial trials and tribulations. We are delighted to bring these much-loved characters back for a third series.”

The series is created, written and executively produced by Sally Wainwright, produced by Karen Lewis and directed by Euros Lyn and Jill Robertson. Executive producers are Nicola Shindler for Red Production Company and Matthew Read for the BBC.

The finale of series two airs tonight (Christmas Eve) on BBC One at 9pm. The third series of Last Tango In Halifax will go into production in 2014, to be broadcast later in the year.