Brilliant series one of my highlights of the week.
It's Morphing time
Detectorists to return for second series on BBC Four in 2015
Detectorists, the BBC’s latest hit comedy which ended its first run on BBC Four last night, has been recommissioned for a second series.
Written, directed by and starring Mackenzie Crook, and co-starring Toby Jones, the series has been critically acclaimed and gained BBC Four's highest ever viewing figures for a new comedy.
The story follows the relationship between two friends who share a passion for metal detecting. When Andy (Mackenzie Crook) and Lance (Toby Jones) are together, they’re like an old married couple. They gripe at each other, but there is a true bond underneath it all. Each has his own slightly dysfunctional life but together they dream of finding a priceless Saxon hoard that will cement their place in detecting history.
Alongside Mackenzie Crook and Toby Jones, series one featured Rachael Stirling (Tipping The Velvet, The Bletchley Circle), Aimee-Ffion Edwards (Being Human, Luther) and Lucy Benjamin (EastEnders, Casualty).
Mackenzie says: “I couldn't be happier with how Detectorists has gone down and the response it has got from audiences. The opportunity to meet these characters again and tell some more of their stories is very exciting.”
Shane Allen, Controller, Comedy Commissioning, says: “We’re proud that Mackenzie’s labour of love has connected so deeply with the BBC Four audience, who have taken these characters to heart. It couldn’t happen to a nicer, more multi-talented and harder working person.”
Cassian Harrison, Channel Editor, BBC Four says: “I’m so pleased that we’re going to be able to bring the Detectorists back - it was a perfect slice of BBC Four comedy, beautifully written and observed, wry and movingly performed, with real depth to its entrancing world.”
Detectorists is produced by Channel X North and Lola Entertainment. Detectorists series two (6x30’) is commissioned by Shane Allen, Controller, Comedy Commissioning and Cassian Harrison, Channel Editor, BBC Four. Executive Producers are Alan Marke, Jim Reid (Channel X North) and Jonno Richards, Lisa Thomas (Lola Entertainment).Producer is Adam Tandy. BBC commissioning executive is Kristian Smith.
Press appreciation for Detectorists:
“One of the best new sitcoms of the year” The Independent
“Fields of mud filled with comedy gold” Sunday Telegraph
“Beautifully acted and written, Detectorists is a rare treasure” The Times
"Observant, honest and very funny” Daily Telegraph
“Detectorists has been a joy” Sunday Times
“This new sitcom, written and directed by Mackenzie Crook, is brilliantly - and gently - hilarious” Daily Mirror
“Sweet, clever and rich in well observed detail” Daily Express
“An astute script, sublime acting and deft characterisation” Daily Telegraph
“Mackenzie Crook wrote and directed this series… and he should be proud, it’s an understated triumph” The Independent
“This has a charming folksy feel and its laughs are subtle but sweet…..it is a lovely surprise like expecting to dig up a tin can but finding a Saxon hoard” Sunday Times Culture
“Mackenzie Crook strikes gold” Daily Express
http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2014/detectorists-2015