ITV orders second series of DCI Banks

ITV has ordered a second series of crime drama DCI Banks starring Stephen Tompkinson in the title role.

ITV has ordered a second six-part series of the crime drama which is based on the novel series by Peter Robinson. DCI Banks originally aired on ITV1 in 2010 as a two-part story. It’s ratings were impressive enough for ITV to order a series of DCI Banks which aired on the channel last autumn. Although its ratings were not as high as the original two-part story they were obviously good enough for ITV to order an additional series.

“DCI Banks is now established as a firm favourite within ITV’s crime drama slate, We’re delighted so many viewers are appreciating Robert Murphy’s adaptations and how the team at Left Bank Pictures are producing DCI Banks.” – Sally Haynes, ITV drama commissioning.

The confirmation of the second series comes after reports in December that ITV were on the verge of ordering a new series. At the time Broadcast reported the new series would adapt Wednesday Child, Dry Bones that Dream and Stranger Affairs novels written by Peter Robinson.

Doc Martin actress Caroline Catz will join the second series as Bank’s new side-kick as actress Andrea Lowe will be temporarily written out. The fate of Stephen Tompkinson’s other ITV drama series, Wild at Heart, remains uncertain. There were reports during the airing of its seventh season that ITV were considering axing the African drama because of the high production costs involved mixed with lower ratings than previous years. At the time of the reports ITV denied any decision had been taken over Wild at Heart’s future.