Red Production Company in Manchester continues its busy year, with two major commissions, as ITV orders a fourth series of Scott and Bailey and BBC commissions a new 6 part drama.
Scott and Bailey has become one of ITV’s most successful returning series, with the finale of the last series watched by 7.1m and delivering a 27% audience share. Going into production next Spring, it will be shot on location in Manchester, with Amelia Bullmore reprising her role as DCI Gill Murray. Bullmore will also write four of the scripts for the new series.
Co-creator and writer, Sally Wainwright (Last Tango in Halifax, Unforgiven), will executive produce the series alongside Red’s director, Nichola Shindler.
“We’re thrilled to be producing a new series of Scott and Bailey,” said Shindler.
“It’s rewarding to think the public have become so familiar with the characters and taken them to heart. With this new series, we have the chance to explore great story ideas and continue developing those characters,” she added.
Scott and Bailey was commissioned by ITV’s director of Drama, Steve November:
“ITV Drama without Scott and Bailey would be unthinkable. Its reputation for quality storytelling and great characterisation precedes it and it’s become a firm favourite with ITV viewers. We’re delighted to be working with Nicola, Sally and Red Production Company on a fourth series.”
Meanwhile BBC One’s new controller, Charlotte Moore has announced that Red will also be producing a new drama for the channel. Ordinary Lives is from BAFTA and Emmy-winning writer Danny Brocklehurst.
The 6-part drama will be set in a car showroom focusing on a group of “compelling characters all dealing with every day dilemmas and what happens when the lies people tell to keep their heads above water spin out of control with sometimes tragic, sometimes funny consequences.”
“Danny Brocklehurst is one of our most talented storytellers and a master at making the ordinary cross over into the extraordinary. Set in the colourful and competitive world of car sales, Ordinary Lies is full of surprising twists and turns, a roller coaster of a ride for our audience,” said Moore.
The executive producer is Nicola Shindler.
