The Bletchley Circle commissioned for second run

The Bletchley Circle will return for a second series, ITV has confirmed.

The drama which centres around a group of women who used to work at Bletchley Park during World War II will be back for four episodes after a successful first run in 2012, which had a series average of 5.6 million viewers.

Set a year on from the first series in 1953, the ladies are reunited for their second case in the first two-part story when former Bletchley Park colleague, Alice Merren (Hattie Morahan) is accused of murder.

Jean (Julie Graham) methodically sets to work examining the evidence and is intent on helping Alice after a distinguished scientist is discovered shot through the heart in the study of his home with Alice, gun in hand, standing over him.

“The Bletchley Circle is a wonderful addition to our drama slate last year and we’re delighted that it’s returning to ITV with two new and exciting stories,” said Steve November, ITV Director of Drama Commissioning

The first series recently screened in the US to rave reviews. Broadcast by PBS, The Bletchley Circle was given a prestigious Sunday night scheduling slot by the broadcaster alongside Call The Midwife and the first series of ITV’s Mr Selfridge.