ITV have commissioned a second series of successful World War II drama Home Fires, after the show won its slot with ease, with a consolidated average rating of 6.2 million viewers to-date and a 24% share of the audience.
Credit: ITV
Home Fires currently broadcasts on Sunday evenings, with two episodes of the current series remaining and the show becoming the best performing Sunday evening drama for ITV in 2014 and so far in 2015 after Downton Abbey.
Samantha Bond leads the fight as forthright and fiery Frances Barden, alongside Francesca Annis as Joyce Cameron - the "thorn in her side". Together, the pair discover inner resources that will change their lives forever under the auspices of the Great Paxford Women's Institute.
The series also stars Ruth Gemmill as Frances's sister Sarah, Claire Rushbrook as neighbour Pat Simms, Frances Grey as pharmacist Eric, Clare Calbraith as local farmer Steph, Leanne Best as school teacher Teresa, Claire Price as butcher's wife Miriam and Fenella Woolgar as bookkeeper Alison.
Inspired by the Julie Summers book Jambusters, the drama will begin filming its second series in the summer of 2015, on location in Cheshire.
Director of Drama for ITV Steve November said of the announcement: "We've been really pleased with how viewers have taken Home Fires to their heart.
"Through Simon's wonderfully observed scripts, and the characters he's created, we've come to know real women who kept the home fires burning throughout the Second World War. Their war effort is an intriguing aspect of our national social history and we're delighted the women will be reunited for a second series.
Executive Producer Francis Hopkinson added: "We're thrilled the incredible ensemble cast of Home Fires will be returning for a second series. The new series will play out under the Battle of Britain and the frighteningly real prospect of German invasion and defeat. It was a very challenging and dark period in our country's history. Whilst the men were away fighting, the women left behind had to face their own fears."
Meanwhile, the synopsis for this coming Sunday's episode reads: "Erica (Frances Grey) is unexpectedly forced to reveal what she has done to protect Pat (Claire Rushbrook), and Frances (Samantha Bond) takes in an evacuee from Liverpool, whilst Miriam (Claire Price) throws herself into writing letters to friendless soldiers. Some devastating news for Teresa (Leanne Best) challenges her friendship with Alison (Fenella Woolgar), and after Spencer's (Mike Noble) secret is revealed, Claire (Daisy Badger) must decide whether to stand by him."
Watch that episode on June 7 on ITV.