Happy Valley returning for third and final series

The BBC's smash hit crime drama Happy Valley will return for a third and final series next year.

The Sally Wainwright-penned show, which starred Sarah Lancashire as police sergeant Catherine Cawood and James Norton as her nemesis, murderer and sex offender Tommy Lee Royce, won multiple BAFTA TV awards, including two for Best Drama Series, during its original 2014 and 2016 runs.

A third series had long been rumoured - but never confirmed - until Sally told fans a third series was on the way in a statement on Tuesday.

"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," she said. "It's been wonderful to see the lasting impact this series has had on audiences all over the world."

Sarah and James are also returning, as is Siobhan Finneran as Catherine's sister, the recovering addict Clare Cartwright. Further returning cast members and new additions will be announced in due course.

"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," James added.

Siobhan also indicated that it was a load off her shoulders to finally be able to tell fans that they would get another series.

"I'm so thrilled to be returning to Happy Valley as Clare, and delighted to now be able to answer the question: 'Please tell me there's going to be another Happy Valley???' with a resounding 'Yes there is'," she gushed.

Filming will take place in and around West Yorkshire in 2022 and the show will premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer later that year.