A third series of the BBC Daytime, BBC Northern Ireland and BritBox International drama Hope Street has been confirmed with an extended run of 15 episodes.

The drama, made by Long Story TV, is part of the successful partnership between the BBC and Northern Ireland Screen. Set in the fictional town of Port Devine on the Northern Ireland coast and filmed in and around County Down’s seaside town of Donaghadee the drama has proven to be popular with fans across the UK and beyond.

The new series which starts filming soon will revisit the trials and tribulations of the Port Devine police department and will continue to reveal more about their private lives.

Returning for the third series are Ciaran McMenamin (Inspector Finn O’Hare), Bríd Brennan (Concepta O’Hare), Des McAleer (Barry Pettigrew), Kerri Quinn (Marlene Pettigrew), Niall Wright (Callum McCarthy), Aaron McCusker (Clint Dunwoody), Niamh McGrady (Nicole Devine), Rachel Tucker (Siobhan O’Hare), Sade Malone (Taylor Quinn), Louis McCartney (Shay O’Hare) and Ellie Lavery (Niamh O’Hare). New additions to the Hope Street cast will be announced soon.

The continuing series celebrates local writing, acting and production talent; demonstrating the BBC’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent in its Nations and Regions while showcasing the humour and warmth of the people in Northern Ireland, as well as its stunning coastlines

Behind the drama are acclaimed producers Paul Marquess and Donna Wiffen from Long Story TV, known for producing London Kills and The Light in The Hall. They will once again be joined by co-creator Susanne Farrell (Dirty God) and Producer Leon Fee. Writers on this new series include Jessica Lea (EastEnders), Tess McGowan (Bump Along The Way), Christine Murphy (Emmerdale), Brian McGilloway (Benedict Devlin Mysteries), Hamish Wright (The Secret Life Of Us), Stuart Drennan (The Dig), Greer Ellison (Butterfly Kisses), Karis Kelly (Consumed), Lessa Harker (Maggie Muff plays) and Marcus Fleming (Dominion Creek).

Helen Munson, Commissioning Editor, BBC Daytime says: “Fans of Hope Street who are just settling into series two on BBC Daytime will be delighted to know that another series is on the way! We are excited to be working with Long Story TV again who bring so much expertise and passion into creating brilliant crime stories for our audience.”

Reemah Sakaan, CEO BritBox International, says: “Building on its strong and sustained success, we are thrilled to welcome Hope Street back for a third season, working with the BBC and Long Story TV. The series offers a fresh twist on the much-loved crime drama genre, in a stunning setting, and has built a large and loyal international fanbase on BritBox.”

Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen, said: “Following the success of Hope Street season one and two filmed entirely on location in Northern Ireland, we are delighted to see the popular drama return for season three. As well as showcasing our beautiful locations it has also provided a crucial training ground for local writers, directors, and crew while stimulating the creation of opportunities for crew to step up and upskill.”

Eddie Doyle, Head of Content Commissioning, BBC Northern Ireland, says: “It’s great to be bringing fans back to Port Devine for a third series. This will be Hope Street’s longest run yet, with 15 episodes. Thanks to BBC Daytime, Northern Ireland Screen and BritBox International for their continuing support for this great series, which shows Northern Ireland in bit of a different light to audiences across the UK and beyond, showcasing the warmth and humour of this place. Long Story TV has done a stellar job of developing these characters over the past two series and I’m looking forward to see what they do next and also to see some new faces join the cast.”

Paul Marquess one of the show’s creators and producers, Long Story TV says; “We are so excited to be making our third trip to beautiful Port Devine - and we’re delighted that BBC Northern Ireland, BBC Daytime and BritBox International have ordered more episodes this time round. We’ve been so lucky to work with hugely talented cast, writers, directors and crew - and the continuing popularity of Hope Street is a testament to all their hard work.”

The third series is the newest commission to be announced as part of the partnership between the BBC and Northern Ireland Screen. The successful partnership continues to support the screen industry in Northern Ireland and help ensure that Northern Ireland is better represented to audiences across the UK and internationally. Abacus Media Rights are handling international sales for the series.

Filming on Hope Street series three will begin in April 2023. Hope Street series two is broadcasting now on BBC One, Fridays at 1.45pm.

The first and second series are also available in full to watch now on BBC iPlayer, and on BritBox in its international markets.