Fate of huge Channel 5 series dubbed ‘the new Vera' revealed after ratings success
THE fate of one of Channel 5's most popular TV dramas has been revealed after being dubbed 'the new Vera'.
The Sun can exclusively reveal that TV execs have handed police drama Ellis a second series.
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The programme, starring Sharon D Clarke, has been greenlit with show bosses hoping to replicate the success of its first series with another edition after managing to attain 2.4 million viewers for it's first episode.
Ellis was lauded as the next Vera when the show premiered shortly after Brenda Blethyn quit her long-running ITV role for good.
A source told The Sun: "Ellis became a huge success for Channel 5 and everyone was over-the-moon with how well it did.
"It is no surprise that bosses have rushed to recommission a brand new series and they hope it have it on the air as soon as possible."
The Sun can reveal that filming will begin this month and the brand new series is expected to premiere in 2026.
Leading actress Sharon D. Clarke will be back in the title role of DCI Ellis in the show which was commended for being the first black solo female-led detective series in the UK.
Her right-hand man, DS Harper, played by Andrew Gower, will also be back for the second outing - set to consist of three 2-hour long episodes.
Speaking about the return of the show following its critical acclaim, Sharon said: "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."
Vera's penultimate episode sees character plunge off cliff in horrifying scenes
Paul Testar, the Commissioning Editor of scripted programming at Channel 5 added: 'Following the huge success of the first series of Ellis, we are thrilled for it to return with the brilliant Sharon D Clarke and Andrew Gower reprising their roles.
"We can't wait to bring the detective duo back to the 5 audience next year'.
It'll come as great news for fans who were left begging for a second series almost immediately after the show premiered.
Reaction to the show was universally positive, with one fan saying: "I think she could be up there with #Vera after a few more series."
Before someone else shared: "I'm really liking #Ellis on @channel5_tv great drama gotta love a powerful woman [who] puts everyone in their place."
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