BBC confirms gritty fan-favourite drama is returning for a second series

The BBC have confirmed gritty crime drama Blue Lights has been renewed for a second series.

The show, which follows a police force in Northern Ireland, was a hit with viewers when it premiered in March. 

Executive producer Stephen Wright 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 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. 

Success: The show, which follows a police force in Northern Ireland, was a hit with viewers when it premiered in March (Sian Gallagher pictured)

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

The second series will begin filming in the summer in Belfast while new cast members will be announced soon.

Written by the team behind Novichok drama The Salisbury Poisonings, Blue Lights stars Sherlock actress Siân Brooke as Grace, a single mum and ex-social worker who’s decided to switch careers in mid-life. 

Now a probationary cop, she’s frequently out of her depth and finds herself in unexpected danger. 

The other rookies are played by Nathan Braniff as Tommy and Katherine Devlin as Annie, and their Belfast station is a buzzing hub where the newbies get both pranked and helped by their peers, as well as told off by their superiors.

They appear alongside bigger stars including Game Of Thrones’s Richard Dormer as experienced policeman Gerry, who partners under-confident Tommy.

The Fall’s John Lynch plays their adversary James McIntyre, an organised crime gang leader who’s recruiting local lads, which provides the central storyline of Blue Lights’ six episodes.

‘I found it intriguing why somebody in their 40s would be mad enough to change career like that,’ Siân told Weeekend magazine.

Renewal: The second series will begin filming in the summer in Belfast while new cast members will be announced soon

Plot: Blue Lights stars Sherlock actress Siân Brooke as Grace, a single mum and ex-social worker who’s decided to switch careers in mid-life

‘Grace is a lot braver than I am and a lot more determined. It’s quite inspiring to see a woman like that on screen.’

Siân didn’t have to look far for help in fleshing out her role, as her father was a policeman. 

She said: ‘I asked my dad a lot about protocols. For example, how you respond on the radio if you’re following a car… he was a sort of shorthand dictionary.’