Showtrial star Sharon D Clarke's "unpredictable, edge-of-your-seat" Northern-set detective drama Ellis has confirmed its return for a second series.
Released in 2024, season one of the Channel 5 detective series saw Clarke take on the lead role as a tenacious cop named DCI Ellis.
Ellis is sent in to sort out failing investigations across the UK along with her partner DS Harper, who is played by Outlander star Andrew Gower.
Announcing the news today, Channel 5 and Acorn TV confirmed that the detective drama has been recommissioned for a second season.
Created by Siân Ejiwunmi-Le Berre with Paul Logue, the second series will consist of three two-hour episodes.
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On writing duties for season two, which is also set to stream on Acorn TV, are Ejiwunmi-Le Berre, Oliver Frampton, and Maria Ward.
On playing DCI Ellis again for season two, Clarke said: "I am thrilled to return as DCI Ellis. The response to the first series was overwhelming, and I am excited to continue this journey with such a talented team, especially with the wonderful Andrew Gower by my side.
"Ellis is a character who resonates deeply, and I can't wait for audiences to see what we have in store for her and Harper in series two."
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Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor for 5, said: "Following the huge success of the first series of Ellis, we are thrilled for it to return with the brilliant Sharon D Clarke and Andrew Gower reprising their roles. We can’t wait to bring the detective duo back to the 5 audience next year."
Acorn TV shared this statement: "Ellis was an instant fan-favourite for the Acorn TV audience and met with rave reviews from top critics for its elevated and smart storytelling brought to life by the incomparable Sharon D Clarke and Andrew Gower.
"We could not be more excited to dive in on a second season of unpredictable, edge-of-your-seat cases with this dynamic pair."
Ellis series two is set to begin filming this month and will air on 5 and Acorn TV in 2026.
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Harriet is a freelance news writer specialising in TV and movies at Digital Spy.
A horror enthusiast, she joined Digital Spy after working on her own horror website, reviewing films and focusing largely on feminism in the genre.
In her spare time, Harriet paints and produces mixed-media art. She graduated from the University of Kingston with a BA in fine art, where she specialised in painting. She also has an MA in journalism from Birkbeck University.

















