Bloodlands will return for a second series.
James Nesbitt
The BBC drama - which stars James Nesbitt as DCI Tom Brannick - has been commissioned for a new series after it became the broadcaster’s biggest drama launch since June, with an average of 8.2 million viewers.
James said of the news: “I’m thrilled that viewers responded to ‘Bloodlands’ so positively and that we will be returning for a second series. I’m always happy to be back in Northern Ireland and to reveal even more about Tom Brannick.”
'Bloodlands' - which was created by writer Chris Brandon - tells the story of Northern Irish police detective Tom Brannick, who aims to track down a legendary assassin after a car containing a possible suicide note is pulled out of Strangford Lough.
The new series is set to take place in Belfast and will continue the BBC’s partnership with HTM Television and the Northern Ireland Screen Partnership Agreement.
Piers Wenger, Director of BBC Drama, says: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the audience response to Bloodlands and are thrilled to announce that the series is returning. Chris’ scripts shine a light on to tensions in Northern Ireland, both historic and present day, and it’s a testament to his skills as a dramatist, to a virtuoso performance from Jimmy Nesbitt and the care taken by all at HTM Television, that the series has been so beloved by audiences in Northern Ireland and throughout the UK.”
Jed Mercurio, Executive Producer, HTM Television, added: “Everyone at HTM Television is thrilled our debut production has been recommissioned. It’s a tribute to the quality of Chris Brandon’s writing, the hard work of our crew and the brilliant performance of our cast led by James Nesbitt. We’re grateful for the outstanding support we’ve received from the BBC and Northern Ireland Screen and can’t wait to reward ‘Bloodlands’ fans with another twisty case for Brannick and co.”
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