Ellis returning to 5 for a second series

The groundbreaking series will return for three brand new episodes in 2026.

5 has today confirmed a second series of their ground-breaking detective drama Ellis, with both Sharon D Clarke and Andrew Gower returning.

The news follows the success of the first series, which launched with over 2.4m viewers in October 2025, becoming the first black solo female-led detective series in the UK. It received praise for Sharon's portrayal of DCI Ellis, a detective fighting a system rife with flaws.

Series two, consisting of three two-hour episodes, will once again follow the DCI, played by Sharon D Clarke, a tenacious cop who, along with her right-hand man DS Harper, played by Andrew Gower, is parachuted into failing investigations across the north of England.

On entering the world of Ellis again for series two, Sharon D Clarke 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."

Created by Siân Ejiwunmi-Le Berre with Paul Logue, the second series of Ellis will be produced by Company Pictures, in association with All3Media International and Northern Ireland Screen, with episode one written by Siân Ejiwunmi-Le Berre, episode two written by Oliver Frampton and episode three written by Maria Ward.

Series two will begin filming later this month and will be produced by Martin Mahon, co-produced by Ana Ture and executive produced by CEO Michele Buck and Lucy Raffety for Company Pictures, Sebastian Cardwell for Paramount UK, Paul Testar for 5, alongside Catherine Mackin and Bea Tammer for Acorn Media Enterprises.

On bringing Ellis back to 5, Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, Scripted, 5, said "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."

Ellis will return in 2026 on 5