Filming on S2 of the 3 x 120′ drama begins later this month

Detective drama Ellis, starring Sharon D Clarke and Andrew Gower, has won a series recommission from 5 and Acorn TV.

Company Pictures makes the show, in association with All3Media International and Northern Ireland Screen, delivered as a 3 x 120’ series.

Clarke plays DCI Ellis, a detective fighting a system riddled with flaws, with Gower as DS Harper; the pair are parachuted into failing investigations across the north of England. Filming begins later this month.

As with the first series, the second run will shoot largely in Northern Ireland with locations doubling for the Peak District.

The second series of Ellis was ordered for 5 by Sebastian Cardwell, head of drama, deputy chief content officer, Paramount UK and Paul Testar, commissioning editor, scripted, 5. Both also serve as executive producers for the series.

Catherine Mackin, managing director of Acorn Media Enterprises (AME), commissioned the series for Acorn TV and executive produces alongside Bea Tammer, AME’s director of development.

Executive producers for Company Pictures are CEO Michele Buck and Lucy Raffety, with producer Martin Mahon and co-producer Ana Ture. Created by Siân Ejiwunmi-Le Berre with Paul Logue, the second series is written by Siân Ejiwunmi-Le Berre (Ep1), Oliver Frampton (Ep2), and Maria Ward (Ep3).

Clarke said of the recommission: “I am thrilled to return as DCI Ellis. The response to the first series was overwhelming, and I am excited to continue this journey with such a talented team, especially with the wonderful Andrew Gower by my side. Ellis is a character who resonates deeply, and I can’t wait for audiences to see what we have in store for her and Harper in series two.”

Buck added: “I’m thrilled Ellis has been a success for 5 and Acorn TV and so happy to return for a second series, creating new and engrossing stories for fans and new audiences to watch.”