Small Prophets returning to BBC One for a second series

Making the move from BBC Two following the show's huge success!

The BBC has finally confirmed that one of the standout shows of the year, Mackenzie Crook's Small Prophets, will return for a second series, this time making the move from BBC Two to BBC One.

Once again, it'll star Mackenzie Crook alongside Sir Michael Palin, Pearce Quigley and Lauren Patel and be filmed and set in and around Manchester.

In series one, we met eccentric Michael Sleep, played by Pearce Quigley, whose partner Clea disappeared seven years ago. Sleep lives a very ordinary life, working in a DIY store, visiting his dad Brian, played by Michael Palin, and hoping for Clea’s return.

One day Brian shares an old recipe with Sleep to create Homunculi. Sleep enlists his colleague Kacey, played by Lauren Patel, to help conjure up the magical prophesying spirits that can predict the future.

An unlikely friendship blossoms, partly through their mutual dislike of their boss, store manager Gordon, played by Mackenzie Crook. It adds to the intrigue of Sleep’s nosy neighbours Bev and Clive, played by Sophie Willan and Jon Pointing, who are obsessed with trying to find out what the hell is going on in his garden shed.

Speaking ahead of the show's return, Mackenzie Crook said "I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to tell the second half of this strange story and as intrigued as anyone else to find out what happens to Michael Sleep in his mystical quest. The prophets have foretold that series two will be happening next year and, as we know, they are compelled to speak the truth."

To which producer Gill Isles added "It’s a real privilege to be producing the second series of Small Prophets. Mackenzie has created such a distinctive, magical world, and I can’t wait to return to Marvin Gardens and help bring this new chapter to life."

The show's debut outing earlier this year proved to be a huge ratings winner, averaging 6.3m viewers of 28-days with a huge 82% of that audience coming from streams on BBC iPlayer.

Episode one has continued to accrue viewing outside of the 28 days and is now up to 9.2m. It’s the BBC’s biggest new comedy series of the year so far.

Made by Treasure Trove Productions and Channel X North, the second series of Small Prophets will be written and directed by Mackenzie Crook, produced by Gill Isles and executive produced by Mackenzie Crook and Lisa Thomas for Treasure Trove Productions and Alan Marke and Jim Reid for Channel X North.

Also speaking ahead of the new series, Emma Lawson, the BBC's Interim Director of Comedy, said "We’re beyond delighted to be bringing Small Prophets back for a second series. Mackenzie has created a world packed with wonder, magic and unforgettable characters which feels completely unlike anything else on television and we can’t wait to see where the story takes us next. To be continued…"

Small Prophets will return to BBC One