Happy Valley season three confirmed by BBC with filming to begin next year

BBC’s drama Happy Valley will be returning for a third and final season, six years on from the finale of its second season, it has been confirmed today.

The smash hit crime drama, created by Sally Wainwright, last aired in 2016 and ever since fans of the show have been waiting with bated breath for any news of a third instalment.

Well, the BBC has announced today that filming for the third season will begin in West Yorkshire at some point next year, with actress Sarah Lancashire reprising the lead role of no-nonsense Sergeant Catherine Cawood.

BBC

The broadcaster also confirmed that Siobhan Finneran will return as Catherine’s sister Clare, as will James Norton as the murderer and sex offender responsible for Catherine’s daughter’s suicide, Tommy Lee Royce.

An official synopsis for the third season reads: “When Catherine discovers the remains of a gangland murder victim in a drained reservoir it sparks a chain of events that unwittingly leads her straight back to Tommy Lee Royce.

“Her grandson Ryan is now sixteen and still living with Catherine, but he has ideas of his own about what kind of relationship he wants to have with the man Catherine refuses to acknowledge as his father.

BBC

“Still battling the seemingly never-ending problem of drugs in the valley and those who supply them, Catherine is on the cusp of retirement.”

Wainwright said on the return of the show: “I’m delighted to find myself back in the world of Catherine Cawood and her family and colleagues for the final instalment of the Happy Valley trilogy.

“It’s been wonderful to see the lasting impact this series has had on audiences all over the world. I’m thrilled that Sarah, James and Siobhan are back on board for what I hope will be the best season yet, and thrilled once again to be working with the wonderful team at Lookout Point, the BBC and our new colleagues at AMC.”

BBC

And on reprising the formidable role of Tommy, James Norton said: “To take on Tommy one final time is a wonderful and daunting privilege, and something I’ve been looking forward to since we wrapped the last series six years ago.

“I’m so excited to be working with the insanely talented Sally and Sarah again. Thinking we should all go on one last barge holiday, for old times’ sake.”

Filming for the third and final season of Happy Valley will begin in 2022. Seasons 1 and 2 are available to watch on both Netflix and BBC iPlayer.