Happy Valley's third series now has a release date
We won't have to wait too long!
Good news for fans of crime drama series Happy Valley, after the BBC confirmed last year the popular show will return for a third and final series, they have now revealed we won't have to wait too long to watch it!
The series, which first hit our screens back in 2014, will return for six new episodes written and created by Sally Wainwright.
The BAFTA-award winning show will once again feature Sarah Lancashire as main character Sergeant Catherine Cawood, James Norton (Tommy Lee Royce) and Siobhan Finneran (Clare Cartwright) will also return.
When will Happy Valley series three be released?
Fans will be able to catch series three of the show when it starts on New Year's Day 2023. The launch show will be at 9pm on Sunday 1st January on BBC One and iPlayer.
What can we expect in series three of Happy Valley?
Speaking about the hugely-anticipated return, Happy Valley creator Sally Wainwright said: “I'm delighted to find myself back in the world of Catherine Cawood and her family and colleagues for the final instalment of the Happy Valley trilogy. It’s been wonderful to see the lasting impact this series has had on audiences all over the world.
"I’m thrilled that Sarah, James and Siobhan are back on board for what I hope will be the best season yet, and thrilled once again to be working with the wonderful team at Lookout Point, the BBC and our new colleagues at AMC.”
Sarah Lancashire added: “It’s time to let the dog see the rabbit.”
Series two, which aired in 2016 on BBC One, attracted over nine million viewers at the time, with the show also winning awards at the BAFTAs.
In 2021, the BBC said of the upcoming series: "When Catherine discovers the remains of a gangland murder victim in a drained reservoir it sparks a chain of events that unwittingly leads her straight back to Tommy Lee Royce. Her grandson Ryan is now sixteen and still living with Catherine, but he has ideas of his own about what kind of relationship he wants to have with the man Catherine refuses to acknowledge as his father.
"Still battling the seemingly never-ending problem of drugs in the valley and those who supply them, Catherine is on the cusp of retirement."
Actor James Norton, famous for roles such a Grantchester and McMafia, said of the new series: "To take on Tommy one final time is a wonderful and daunting privilege, and something I’ve been looking forward to since we wrapped the last series, 6 years ago. I’m so excited to be working with the insanely talented Sally and Sarah again. Thinking we should all go on one last barge holiday, for old times’ sake.”
Siobhan Finneran then added: “I’m so thrilled to be returning to Happy Valley as Clare, and delighted to now be able to answer the question: “Please tell me there’s going to be another Happy Valley???” with a resounding “Yes there is.””
What will happen in series three?
According to the BBC, the third series will see Catherine find a gangland murder victim in a drained reservoir, which sparks a chain of events leading her straight back to Tommy Lee Royce (James Norton).
Meanwhile, Catherine's grandson Rhys is now 16 and has ideas over the type of relationship he wants with the man she doesn't consider his father, leaving Clare (Siobhan Finneran), Catherine's sister, caught in the middle.
Is there going to be a series four?
The BBC have announced that series three of Happy Valley will be the final series of the show.
Series one and two are available to watch on the BBC iPlayer now.
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