ITV commissions second series of Marcella starring Anna Friel

ITV commissions second series of Marcella starring Anna Friel from acclaimed writer Hans Rosenfeldt and Buccaneer Media

Critically acclaimed crime thriller Marcella, Scandinavian noir on the streets of Britain, has been commissioned for a second series, broadcaster ITV confirmed today.

Speaking at the Edinburgh International Television Festival, renowned screenwriter and novelist, Hans Rosenfeldt, Buccaneer Media CEO Tony Wood and leading actress Anna Friel shared the good news during a panel session with industry executives.

Starring Anna Friel in the lead role, Marcella won many fans, achieved rave reviews and sent social media into meltdown when it aired on ITV earlier this year. The launch episode was the series best performer with 8 million viewers and a 29% share of viewing. The series average of 6.8 million viewers (25% share) firmly placed Marcella as one of ITV's top rated dramas so far this year.

Produced by Buccaneer Media and co-created by Hans Rosenfeldt and Nicola Larder (Sky's development executive on The Tunnel, Lawless, Psychopath Next Door), Marcella was exclusively created for the UK audience by Hans Rosenfeldt following the global success of his renowned drama The Bridge.

Set in contemporary London and boldly told with Rosenfeldt's unflinchingly clear Nordic style, the new 8 x 60' series has been commissioned for transmission on ITV in 2017.

Marcella will be executive produced by Rosenfeldt, Nicola Larder and Buccaneer Media's founder Tony Wood who created the joint venture production company in partnership with global entertainment company, Cineflix Media.

Commented Hans Rosenfeldt:

"I was delighted at the reaction to the first season and am thrilled to be revisiting Marcella for ITV. In the second season, the audience will get the opportunity to spend more time in her world, further exploring some of the characters and getting to know them better."

Added Executive Producer Tony Wood:

"The combination of Hans's masterful writing, Anna's gripping performance and Buccaneer's superb production team struck a chord with viewers. Naturally we're delighted to be working with ITV to create a second season of Marcella."

Marcella has been commissioned for ITV by Controller of Drama Victoria Fea.

"The audience reaction to Marcella was incredible," said Victoria. "We're delighted to be confirming a second series and to be working with Anna, Hans, Tony and Nicola on a new story. Hans created a compelling character in Marcella and the audience are keen to know what happened next," she added.

Details of guest casting will be announced in the coming months.