Broadchurch to return for third series with David Tennant and Olivia Colman
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Version 0 of 1. It failed to repeat the critical acclaim for its first series but ITV drama Broadchurch will return for a third outing, along with its stars David Tennant and Olivia Colman, after its second run finished with nearly 8 million viewers. Related: Broadchurch 3 – and other shows that outstayed their welcome The second series of the show, which focused on the trial of Joe Miller and a separate murder investigation, ended with 7.8 million viewers, a 32.7% share of the audience from 9pm on Monday. It was up on the 7.6 million who watched its return last month, but the drama could not match the ratings of its first run two years ago, dipping to a mid-season low of just over 5 million. Last night’s finale was 1 million viewers down on the 8.7 million who watched the series one climax in 2013. Nevertheless, Broadchurch remains one of ITV’s most popular shows. Chris Chibnall, the series’ creator and writer, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed that 9 million people every week have continued to join us on the twists and turns of Broadchurch. “This third chapter has been a glint in my eye for a long time and I’m thrilled to be writing these characters once again.” No details about the other cast members who will be joining Tennant’s DI Alec Hardy and Colman’s DS Ellie Miller have been revealed and filming dates will be confirmed at a later date, ITV said. The drama has been a bright spot in a difficult start to the year for ITV, which has seen big drops in its primetime audiences on Saturday and Sunday nights and had its worst January share of the audience on record. ITV director of drama, Steve November, said: “Chris Chibnall knows exactly how to keep viewers guessing and I’m delighted that he is going to take the story on to the next stage.” |