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BBC’s biggest daytime show lands FIFTH series and filming has already started
The programme will initially be launched on a different channel before heading to the BBC
ONE of the BBC's biggest daytime shows has landed a fifth series with filming having already kicked off.
The cast of the hit drama have already been getting back into character as work gets underway on the show in Stratford-upon-Avon.
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Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators has become a huge hit with the BBC with the last series becoming the corporation's second biggest daytime output.
Series four managed to clock up an impressive 2.3million viewers and became an even bigger success for streaming platform, iPlayer.
A fifth of all viewers watched directly through iPlayer making it the Beeb's online service's biggest daytime commision.
The programme, which is headed up by forward EastEnders actress Jo Joyner, follows ex-DI, Luella Shakespeare, played by Jo, as she turns to being a private investigator amid a slew of debt issues.
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Jo has already kicked off filming on the new series alongside her returning co-stars Mark Benton and Patrick Walshe McBride.
However, in a surprising move, the show won't debut on the BBC first.
A co-commission between the BBC and UKTV, the brand new series will first air on UKTV channel Alibi next year.
It will then be made available to stream on BBC iPlayer, as well as airing on BBC One, later that year.
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Speaking of the new series, Helen Munson, the commissioner for BBC Daytime, said: “I’m delighted that Shakespeare and Hathaway are back! Expect more murder, more intrigue, and of course more comedy in series 5, as Lu and Frank once again solve crimes in beautiful Stratford Upon Avon.”
Actress Jo added: “I’m so excited to be stepping back into Luella’s bright and fluffy shoes!
"We have such loyal and brilliant fans who have been asking us daily if we’ll ever be back, so it’s wonderful to finally be able to say yes!
"I can’t wait to see Lu, Frank and Sebastian cracking more countryside crimes whilst squabbling fondly in series 5.”
Whilst Mark said: “I'm so thrilled to be making the show again. The reaction was phenomenal and hopefully series five will be even better. I can't wait.”
Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators will air on Alibi next year. Series one to four are streaming on BBC iPlayer.
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