The ladies of Great Paxford to return!

ITV has commissioned a second series of World War II drama Home Fires, before the final two episodes of series 1 have aired.

Attracting a consolidated average of 6.2 million viewers, the Sunday night drama is inspired by Julie Summers book ‘Jambusters’ and created and written by Simon Block (Lewis, Casualty 1909).

The six-part series follows a group of inspirational women of a rural Cheshire community and the Great Paxford Women’s Institute, who through their own strength and resourcefulness bring the village together during a time when the men go off to war.

The cast stars Samantha Bond as fiery Frances Barden and Francesca Annis as authoritative Joyce Cameron, the thorn in her side.

Ruth Gemmill, Claire Rushbrook, Frances Grey, Clare Calbraith, Fenella Woolgar, Leanne Best and Claire Price also star.

ITV by Director of Drama Steve November said: “We’ve been really pleased with how viewers have taken Home Fires to their heart. Through Simon’s wonderfully observed scripts, and the characters he’s created, we’ve come to know real women who kept the home fires burning throughout the Second World War.  Their war effort is an intriguing aspect of our national social history and we’re delighted the women will be reunited for a second series.”

Executive Producer Francis Hopkinson commented: “We’re thrilled the incredible ensemble cast of Home Fires will be returning for a second series. The new series will play out under the Battle of Britain and the frighteningly real prospect of German invasion and defeat. It was a very challenging and dark period in our country’s history. Whilst the men were away fighting, the women left behind had to face their own fears.”

Home Fires is made by ITV Studios. The final two episodes of series 1 will air on Sunday 7th and 14th June. The second series will begin filming in Cheshire during the summer of 2015.