ITV has recommissioned drama series The Durrells for a fourth series, it has been announced.
Actress Keeley Hawes will reprise her role as matriarch Louisa Durrell for six new episodes with Bafta award nominee and Men Behaving Badly creator Simon Nye again assuming writing responsibilities.
The programme is based on conservationist and author Gerald Durrell’s trilogy of books about his family’s time on Corfu during the 1930s.
ITV confirmed that the new series of The Durrells will be filmed on the Greek island.
Also set to return are actors Josh O’Connor, Callum Woodhouse, Daisy Waterstone and Milo Parker who play Hawes’ on-screen children Larry, Leslie, Margo and Gerry.
Alexis Georgoulis will also feature again as chauffeur and love interest Spiros.
ITV’s senior drama commissioner Victoria Fea said: “The Durrells has proven immensely popular with viewers and critics alike, so we’re thrilled to have commissioned another series.
“Simon Nye’s writing is witty, big-hearted and hugely engaging, so we’re looking forward to seeing what the fourth series has in store.”
Hawes, who also starred in BBC police drama Line Of Duty, greeted the announcement by posting on Twitter.
Hawes wrote: “Delighted to confirm #TheDurrells will be returning to ITV for series 4!!! (sun emoji)”
Her post featured alongside a still of her and Georgoulis filming a seaside scene on Corfu.
Delighted to confirm #TheDurrells will be returning to @ITV for series 4!!! ☀️ @sidgentlefilms @JoshOConnor15 @mrmiloparker @cal_woodhouse @DaisyWaterstone @GeorgoulisAlexi @YorgosKaramihos @annasavva10 pic.twitter.com/ivD6kKeQQZ
— Keeley Hawes (@Misskeeleyhawes) May 18, 2018
The finale of the last series, which aired at the start of May, saw Louisa and Spiros declare their feelings for one another, only for Spiros’ wife to return after she had left him.
The Durrells first aired on ITV in 2016. The first episode of the latest series attracted 6.7 million viewers which earned it a 26% share for its Sunday night timeslot of 8pm.