Hit BBC drama’s second series scrapped as boss admits ‘there wasn’t much more to say’

A SECOND series of an acclaimed BBC drama is no longer on the cards.

I May Destroy You followed Arabella Essiedu, a Twitter star turned novelist who sought to rebuild her life after being date raped.

Created, written by and starring Michaela Coel, I May Destroy You explored different issues surrounding sex in the modern world and won BAFTAS for Best Mini-Series, Best Director: Drama, Best Writer: Drama and Best Actress.

The show’s initial inspiration came following a real-life spiking incident experienced by Michaela in 2016.

In 2021, the Beeb’s then-drama director Piers Wenger revealed plans for a follow-up series with links to I May Destroy You.

It was reported that Michaela was in talks with Beeb bosses about creating a second series, however, this is not going ahead. 

Executive producer Phil Clarke told US outlet that Michaela had toyed with various ideas but decided against going further.

She also ruled out developing a second series of I May Destroy You in a traditional sense.

He shared: “When Piers went public, we were all talking about it.

“Those were Michaela’s thoughts as well. But then we rightly decided there wasn’t much more to say. 

“You can only conclude that once you’ve explored it a little bit.”

Set in London, I May Destroy You featured a predominantly Black British cast.

Weruche Opia and Paapa Essiedu took on leading roles as Terry and Kwame, Arabella’s closest friends.

Michaela previously appeared in Black Mirror, Chewing Gum and Top Boy.

After I May Destroy You, she went on to star in Marvel Cinematic Universe film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

I May Destroy You is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.