The Paradise to return to BBC One in 2013

A second series of The Paradise will air on BBC One next year, it has been announced.

The period drama – written by Bill Gallagher and set in a department store – will return for a further eight episodes.
Adapted from the classic French novel by Emile Zola, The Paradise stars Sarah Lancashire, Emun Elliott, David Hayman, Patrick Malahide, Matthew McNulty and Elaine Cassidy.
The series has so far proved a success for BBC One on Tuesday nights, averaging 5.9 million viewers.

Danny Cohen, Controller of BBC One, says: “The Paradise has been the biggest new drama series on British television so far this autumn, and it has been really interesting to experiment with period drama on BBC One beyond the traditional Sunday night slot.
“I’m delighted that the show will be returning for a second series, and can assure its loyal following that there are still some dramatic twists to come in the three episodes still to air this autumn.”

Bill Gallagher adds: “I’m very grateful that there’s such a strong audience for The Paradise, and for the terrific support the BBC has given to the show to make that possible.
“It’s such a great ensemble of actors and such a rich group of characters that it’s an exciting prospect to have eight more episodes to make.”

Series one of The Paradise concludes on Tuesday at 9pm on BBC One.