Lorraine Ashbourne and Lesley Manville's hit BBC drama Sherwood is set to return with more "shocking twists" on the way – and we have rounded-up everything you need to know.
First premiering in 2022, the show is inspired by real-life murders in Nottinghamshire, with last year's second season set in the present day as two new families find themselves entangled with the Sparrows, while a new Sheriff of Nottingham fights against a new mine.
The season's first episode drew in over 6.5 million viewers initially, according to the BBC, and was confirmed to be returning for a third run last year by the broadcaster.
The show is created by playwright and Quiz and Brian and Maggie writer James Graham, who is back again as writer, and said upon the renewal news: "It continues to be the greatest privilege to tell stories set in and inspired by the history of my home county of Nottinghamshire.
"Having a returning series on the BBC is pretty much every British writer’s dream, and I’m incredibly grateful for the continued passion that Lindsay, Charlotte and Jo have for Sherwood – and to everyone at House Productions, the most supportive producers you can have."
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Juliette Howell and Harriet Spencer, who are executive producers for House Productions alongside Tessa Ross, added: "The love that the second series of Sherwood has garnered has been incredible to witness and so we are thrilled that the BBC are once again backing this very special drama for a third run and giving us all the opportunity to bring more rich stories from the Nottinghamshire community that has been such an integral part of James’s life."
"Sherwood has quickly established itself as one of the all-time great television dramas, with its impeccable mix of characters, story and themes that have gripped and resonated with millions of viewers across the UK," director of BBC Drama Lindsay Salt said. "We’re so pleased to be working with James Graham and the team to bring his exciting plans for Sherwood’s third chapter to the BBC."
The last season drew acclaim, Digital Spy calling it "insanely gripping and tense" in our five-star review, with the episodes attracting an impressive 93% fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Here's what else you need to know about the next season.
What will happen in season 3?
While concrete story details on season 3 haven't been released, Graham has teased that the new episodes will focus on "a new set of stories, and the continuation – and completion – of some strands I’ve been dreaming of for some time".
Howell and Spencer further teased that season 3 will be "unearthing some more of the many secrets which are harboured in and amongst its characters" and that they have "very exciting storylines planned" with "more heart-wrenching, jaw-dropping and shocking twists".
Who will be back for Sherwood season 3?
A confirmed cast list is yet to be announced, though we should expect the returns of
• Lorraine Ashbourne as Daphne Sparrow
• Lesley Manville as Julie Jackson
• David Morrissey as DCS Ian St Clair
• Monica Dolan as Ann Branson
• David Harewood as Dennis Bottomley
• Robert Lindsay as Franklin Warner
• Perry Fitzpatrick as Rory Sparrow
• Christine Bottomley as Rachel Crossley
• Michael Balogun as DCS Harry Summers
• Oliver Huntingdon as Ryan Bottomley
• Bethany Asher as Stephie Bottomley
When will Sherwood season 3 be released?
A release date is yet to be confirmed, though we shouldn't expect it until the end of 2025 or in 2026 at the earliest.
Sherwood seasons 1-2 are available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.
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Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.
