Northern Ireland

BBC announces second series of popular police drama Blue Lights

BBC drama Blue Lights is to return for a second series
BBC drama Blue Lights is to return for a second series
By Suzanne McGonagle

The BBC has announced there will be a second series of the Belfast-based police drama Blue Lights.

Filming is due to begin in the city during the summer, with further casting set to be announced.

The new series is set to air next year.

Co-written by Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson, the first series of the crime drama has been hailed as the 'best TV in years' by viewers.

The first six episodes followed the journeys of three rookie officers during their probation period with the PSNI, exploring the challenges faced by police in Belfast.

The BBC said that early figures for Blue Lights continue to climb with the first episode currently averaging 6.4 million.

It added that the series has "grown its young audience week-on-week on BBC iPlayer and is the third most requested programme since release among all individuals and 16-34s". 

Announcing on Thursday that the drama would return for a second series, the BBC said among those set to reprise their roles are Siân Brooke, Martin McCann, Katherine Devlin, Nathan Braniff, Joanne Crawford, Andi Osho and Hannah McClean.

In a post on Twitter, Declan Lawn said: "Blue Lights has been recommissioned for a second series.

"Thanks to everyone who watched it and for all the incredible support for the show.

"We’ll be back on BBC One in 2024.

"Until then - take a beat."

Stephen Wright, executive producer of Blue Lights, said: “We are thrilled by the audience response to the show.

"Belfast is a vibrant, dynamic and complex place and we have a wealth of stories yet to come from our characters.

"We can’t wait to bring these to the fans.”

Lindsay Salt, director of drama at the BBC, added: “Blue Lights has been a breakout hit and so many of our viewers have taken the rookies to their hearts which is down to the fantastic cast and Declan and Adam’s vision.

"We can’t wait to have it back on BBC One and iPlayer for a second series.”