Sally Wainwright’s BBC drama Happy Valley is set for its third and final series in 2022, it has been announced.
Sarah Lancashire will return to her iconic role of Sergeant Catherine Cawood for six new episodes in the final chapter of the Happy Valley story.
James Norton and Siobhan Finneran will also return for Happy Valley series three - as Catherine’s nemesis, the murderer and sex-offender Tommy Lee Royce, and Catherine’s sister, the recovering addict Clare Cartwright, respectively.
Further returning cast members and new additions will be announced in due course.
What's the plot of Happy Valley?
When Catherine discovers the remains of a gangland murder victim in a drained reservoir it sparks a chain of events that unwittingly leads her straight back to Tommy Lee Royce.
Her grandson Ryan is now sixteen and still living with Catherine, but he has ideas of his own about what kind of relationship he wants to have with the man Catherine refuses to acknowledge as his father.
Still battling the seemingly never-ending problem of drugs in the valley and those who supply them, Catherine is on the cusp of retirement.
Sally Wainwright speaks on series 3 announcement
Happy Valley creator and writer Sally Wainwright said: “I'm delighted to find myself back in the world of Catherine Cawood and her family and colleagues for the final instalment of the Happy Valley trilogy.
"It’s been wonderful to see the lasting impact this series has had on audiences all over the world. I’m thrilled that Sarah, James and Siobhan are back on board for what I hope will be the best season yet, and thrilled once again to be working with the wonderful team at Lookout Point, the BBC and our new colleagues at AMC.”
Sarah Lancashire added: “It’s time to let the dog see the rabbit.”
Meanwhile James Norton said it was a "privilege" to appear in the series.
The actor said: “To take on Tommy one final time is a wonderful and daunting privilege, and something I’ve been looking forward to since we wrapped the last series, 6 years ago.
"I’m so excited to be working with the insanely talented Sally and Sarah again. Thinking we should all go on one last barge holiday, for old times’ sake.”
Where will Happy Valley be filmed?
Filming will take place in and around West Yorkshire in 2022.
Previous filming locations included areas around Calderdale and Huddersfield.
Happy Valley series three will be made by Lookout Point - who worked on productions of Gentleman Jack and War & Peace for BBC One and BBC iPlayer - and AMC Networks.
Where can I watch series 3 of Happy Valley?
Happy Valley series three will premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, and the first two series of Happy Valley are available to watch in full on BBC iPlayer now.
Happy Valley facts for series 3
Happy Valley is written and created by Sally Wainwright.
Series three will be directed by Patrick Harkins and Fergus O’Brien, with Chris Clough as series producer, and Jessica Taylor as producer.
Executive producers are Sally Wainwright and Sarah Lancashire, with Faith Penhale and Will Johnston for Lookout Point, and Ben Irving for the BBC.
The first two series each won the BAFTA Television awards for both Drama Series and Writing: Drama for Sally Wainwright, with Sarah Lancashire winning the BAFTA Television award for Leading Actress for series two.
After airing on BBC One in 2016, Happy Valley won the hearts of critics and viewers alike with series two attracting an average audience of 9.3 million.
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