BBC orders two more series of hit Belfast police drama Blue Lights
Date Posted: February 22, 2024
The BBC has ordered two more six-part series of the critically acclaimed Belfast-based police drama Blue Lights from Two Cities Television for BBC One and iPlayer.
The news of series three and four comes ahead of the much anticipated second series which is set to air this spring. Co-created and written by Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson, Blue Lights is an authentic, gripping and darkly funny drama about ordinary people doing an extraordinary job. series one which aired in March last year, followed three new PSNI probationary recruits as they navigated their way through their first few months in a uniquely complex place to be a response police officer.
It launched to more than 7 million viewers (BARB 28 Day 4 Screen). It was within the top ten new drama series of 2023 across all broadcasters and streamers (all individuals) and the biggest drama series in Northern Ireland in 2023. More than half of the 28-day audience (56%) came from BBCiPlayer. Reprising their roles in the forthcoming second series are Siân Brooke (Grace Ellis), Martin McCann(Stevie Neil), Katherine Devlin (Annie Conlon), Nathan Braniff (Tommy Foster), Joanne Crawford(Helen McNally), Andi Osho (Sandra Cliff), and Hannah McClean (Jen Robinson).
Also set to return are Paddy Jenkins (Happy Kelly), Desmond Eastwood (Murray Canning), Jonathan Harden (Jonty) and Andrea Irvine (Nicola Robinson). Joining them for the second series is Frank Blake as new Constable Shane Bradley, along with Seamus O’Hara as Lee Thompson and Seána Kerslake as his sister Mags.
Co-creators and Executive Producers Stephen Wright (Two Cities Television) and Louise Gallagher(Gallagher Films) say: “A two-series recommission is a staggering vote of confidence in Blue Lights-the writers, the cast, the crew and the entire production team. The BBC have been exceptional partners who have helped us elevate the show. A big thank you from everyone in the Blue Lights team for the faith and support given to our show; we are working with the best people. There are so many more stories to tell and we can’t wait to get going again with the Blue Lights squad in Belfast. ”
Co-creators, Writers, Directors and Executive Producers, Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson add: “We’re thrilled that the BBC is committing to Blue Lights in this way. From the beginning, we wanted to write a show that had scale and ambition in its storytelling, and this decision gives us everything we need to do that. Thanks to the BBC, to Two Cities/STV and Gallagher Films, and to our brilliant cast and crew. But most of all thanks to our audience who have responded so powerfully to the show. Time for us to get to work!”
Lindsay Salt, BBC Director of Drama adds :“We were bowled over by the reaction to Blue Lights and I’m really pleased to be confirming our commitment to bring two more series of our beloved Belfast drama to air. Adam and Declan have brilliant ideas about where to take the characters next and I can’t wait for viewers to see what’s in store.”
Blue Lights is co-created, written and directed by Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson, co-created and produced by Stephen Wright of Two Cities Television and co-created and co-produced by Louise Gallagher of Gallagher Films with support from Northern Ireland Screen. Blue Lights was commissioned by Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama and Charlotte Moore, BBC Chief Content Officer. The executive producers are Stephen Wright (Two Cities Television), Louise Gallagher (Gallagher Films), Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson and the BBC executive producer is Nick Lambon.
BBC Studios will distribute both series internationally in addition to series one and two. Series one of Blue Lights has already travelled across the globe including, the United States, Australia, the Netherlands, Poland, Norway and across several Asian countries including India, Singapore and Malaysia. Two Cities Television is part of the STV Studios family of production labels. More details including the cast for series three and four will be announced in due course.
