Second Series For Sky1's "Strike Back"

NEWS: THU 10 FEB, 2011

Sky1 HD drama Strike Back is set to return for a second season, it has been announced.

The series will mark the first ever co-production between Sky and HBO/Cinemax, following on from the exclusive output deal between the two pay TV broadcasters.

Left Bank Pictures will once again produce the high-octane drama, which, in addition to making its US debut, will increase its run from six to 10 parts.

Based on the hugely successful novels by ex-SAS soldier, Chris Ryan, the second series of Strike Back will feature original storylines that run across globe-spanning settings, as a former US Special Forces operative teams up with Section 20 to stop an international terrorist group.

Richard Armitage returns as John Porter and two new characters will be introduced, played by Philip Winchester and Sullivan Stapleton.

Elaine Pyke, Sky's head of drama, said: "The scale and ambition of the first series of Strike Back really showed UK audiences the scope of Sky's ambitions for drama.

"Now, with HBO as a co-producer, and a longer series of ten parts, we look forward to series two being even bigger and better. I really feel that this ambitious co-production highlights the importance of creating compelling original drama for our customers."

Filming is expected to begin on location in South Africa later this month.