Happy Valley will be back for a second series

BAFTA winning writer Sally Wainwright said earlier this year that plans were afoot for a second series and today the BBC, which makes the programme, have announced there will be a series two.

Utilising settings in Sowerby Bridge, Halifax, Hebden Bridge and Todmorden, the hard-hitting drama stars Sarah Lancashire as Sgt Catherine Cawood.

According to producers, the next series will let viewers delve deeper into the world of Catherine Cawood.

The first six parts hinged on a kidnap plot in Sowerby Bridge, where Catherine is a police sergeant. Peppered with references to real places, landmarks like Wainhouse Tower were frequently shown.

Work on the second series is due to begin in 2015 and will be broadcast later that year.

Happy Valley proved a ratings success with a weekly audience of eight million viewers.

Wainwright’s other credits include two series of Last Tango In Halifax, which won best drama series at last year’s Bafta Awards and additional writing accolades.

Very different in tone, it also references real places in Calderdale and has been equally successful with a cast which also stars Lancashire, who was nominated for a Bafta and is considered a strong bet to make the shortlist for her performance in Happy Valley at next year’s ceremony.