BBC renews hit drama Baptiste for second series tackling reeling Julien’s ‘decline into chaos’

HIT BBC drama Baptiste is returning for a second series, it has been confirmed.

The Sun first revealed plans for a second season way back in March last year, but the BBC has finally confirmed the news today.

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Written by Harry and Jack Williams, the first series ended with police investigator, Julien Baptiste, appearing to make a U-turn on his decision to retire.

Tchéky Karyo will return as the titular Baptiste, and will be joined by Killing Eve's Fiona Shaw for a brand-new gripping case which will take viewers into Budapest’s secretive and corrupt underworld.

Tchéky said: "I am so excited and proud of Harry and Jack for their new audacious story in Hungary.

"I can’t wait to prepare for Julien’s new adventure and for the emotions that he is about to go through.

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"I’m looking forward to sharing this incredible journey with an amazing cast.”

Meanwhile Fiona, who has won a whole new legion of fans as Carolyn Martens in Killing Eve, said of her new role: "I’m honoured to be joining this hugely talented and committed team with the superb writing of Harry and Jack Williams and under the direction of Thomas Napper.

"I’m so lucky to be working with all the best of the new generation!"

The synopsis for series two reads: ";Julien Baptiste is not the man we knew before.

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"After enduring a horrific personal tragedy, Julien has pushed his wife Celia away and is looking for any distraction – whether that be the bottom of a bottle or a new case - to consume him.

"When British Ambassador Emma Chambers’ (Fiona Shaw) whole family disappears whilst on a skiing holiday in the Hungarian mountains, Baptiste immerses himself into Emma’s world, committed to finding her husband and two sons.

"However, when the case turns into something far more brutal and desperate, Julien must navigate a Hungarian police force he doesn’t trust and unrelenting media interest who are hungry for information on such a high-profile international case.

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"Julien must remain rational in the face of chaos in order to find Emma’s family. Will he be able to solve his most complex case yet?"

Filming for the second series will begin next month in Budapest, with further casting to be announced.