The news comes ahead of the much-anticipated second series which is set to air this spring on BBC One and will take Blue Lights to four series in total.
Co-created and written by Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson, Blue Lights is an authentic, gripping and darkly funny drama about ordinary people doing an extraordinary job.
The first series, which aired in 2023, followed three new PSNI probationary recruits as they navigated their way through their first few months in a uniquely complex place to be a response police officer.
Launching to more 7 million viewers, Blue Lights was within the top ten new drama series of 2023 across all broadcasters and streamers.
Reprising their roles in the forthcoming second series are Siân Brooke as Grace Ellis, Martin McCann as Stevie Neil, Katherine Devlin as Annie Conlon, Nathan Braniff as Tommy Foster, Joanne Crawford as Helen McNally, Andi Osho as Sandra Cliff and Hannah McClean as Jen Robinson.
Also set to return are Paddy Jenkins as Happy Kelly, Desmond Eastwood as Murray Canning, Jonathan Harden as Jonty and Andrea Irvine as Nicola Robinson. Joining them for the second series will be Frank Blake as new Constable Shane Bradley Seamus O’Hara as Lee Thompson and Seána Kerslake as his sister Mags.
Speaking about the announcement, co-creators, writers, directors and executive producers, Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson said “We’re thrilled that the BBC is committing to Blue Lights in this way. From the beginning, we wanted to write a show that had scale and ambition in its storytelling, and this decision gives us everything we need to do that. Thanks to the BBC, to Two Cities/STV and Gallagher Films, and to our brilliant cast and crew. But most of all thanks to our audience who have responded so powerfully to the show. Time for us to get to work!”
To which the BBC’s Director of Drama, Lindsay Salt added “We were bowled over by the reaction to Blue Lights and I’m really pleased to be confirming our commitment to bring two more series of our beloved Belfast drama to air. Adam and Declan have brilliant ideas about where to take the characters next and I can’t wait for viewers to see what’s in store.”
Co-created, written and directed by Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson, the series is produced by Stephen Wright of Two Cities Television and co-created and co-produced by Louise Gallagher of Gallagher Films with support from Northern Ireland Screen.
Commissioned by Director of BBC Drama, Lindsay Salt and BBC Chief Content Officer, Charlotte Moore, Blue Lights is executive produced by Stephen Wright, Louise Gallagher, Declan Lawn, Adam Patterson and Nick Lambon for the BBC.
Speaking about the BBC’s commitment to Blue Lights, co-creators and executive producers Stephen Wright and Louise Gallagher said “A two-series recommission is a staggering vote of confidence in Blue Lights - the writers, the cast, the crew and the entire production team. The BBC have been exceptional partners who have helped us elevate the show. A big thank you from everyone in the Blue Lights team for the faith and support given to our show; we are working with the best people. There are so many more stories to tell and we can’t wait to get going again with the Blue Lights squad in Belfast.”
More details including the cast for series three and four will be announced in due course.
Blue Lights will air on BBC One