After the absolutely stellar first series of Jimmy McGovern’s Time, and I didn’t know a second series would be in the works, it felt like Sean Bean and Stephen Graham‘s performances would never be replicated in such an intense environment, but it’s a welcome surprise to hear that Series 2 is on the way and not only will it be filmed in Liverpool again, but there’s a first-class cast involved!

Moving us this time to a modern British women’s prison, the 3-part drama is led by The Last Of Us co-star Bella Ramsey as Kelsey, plus the ever versatile Jodie Whittaker as Orla, plus Tamara Lawrance as Abi, and it’s great to learn that Siobhan Finneran will reprise her role from series one as Marie-Louise, a prison chaplain.

This time around, series two is written by Jimmy McGovern and Helen Black, the writer of the BAFTA-nominated Life and Death in the Warehouse, and Bella Ramsey had this to say:

“I’m very happy to be a part of this project, working with an incredible team and following on from a stellar first season. And it’s such an honour to be Kelsey, I’m really excited to experience the world through her for a few months.”

Jodie Whittaker added:

“Time was such an incredible and powerful show created by an extraordinary team, and being a part of this project in its second iteration is an absolute dream.”

Tamara Lawrance said:

“Being a part of women-centred stories and productions is very important to me, as well as projects that challenge a prejudice. Time series two humanises a sector of society that is too often and easily vilified by elucidating the layered reasons why people end up in the criminal (in)justice system. I’m excited for us to platform the complexity of these characters and their experiences.”

And Siobhan Finneran also added:

“I am delighted to be returning for Time two. It was a privilege to be involved in the first series and to be asked back is an honour, the scripts are again heartbreakingly brilliant.”

Series creator and co-writer Jimmy McGovern says:

“This is the best cast I have ever seen assembled for any drama of mine. The best crew too. I am so, so looking forward to it.”

Co-writer Helen Black said:

“To be asked to write the second season of Time with the incomparable Jimmy McGovern has been a joy and an honour.”

Filming will take place in and around Liverpool soon. The series has secured funding and support through the Liverpool Film Office. Global distribution will be handled by BBC Studios.

Time series one is available to stream on BBC iPlayer now, and we’ll bring you everything with know about series two of Time as and when future details are announced.