Second series for Kerry Howard and Zoe Boyle comedy

BBC Three has commissioned a second series of Witless, the sitcom starring Kerry Howard and Zoe Boyle as flatmates put into the witness protection programme.

The announcement was made just minutes after the final episode of the first series ended its repeat run on BBC One.

Written by Lloyd Woolf and Joe Tucker, the first series revolved around Leanne and Rhona,who had  given new identities and left to fend for themselves in a grubby flat in Swindon.

Series one ended on a tense note, with the pair shooting their neighbour Jackie though a locked bathroom door; and teenager gangster  Appraisal being shot by his fellow hitman DJ Sound As F***.

Series two, which will again comprise five 25 minute episodes,  will kicks off with the pair on the run again, unable to trust the police.

Kerry Howard said: ‘I’m beyond thrilled to get the chance to play the wonderfully playful puppy that is Leanne again. It's such a pleasure to be working with everyone on this show, it has been a dream job and Zoe Boyle is a joy to work with. 

‘I cannot wait to read the scripts to see what Rhona and Leanne have to deal with this time - who knows what our mastermind writers Lloyd and Joe will come up with for this next series! They have absolutely nailed the art of a cliffhanger. Let the drama and comedy roll on."

Shane Allen, controller of comedy commissioning  for the BBC added: ‘Witless has proved an instant smash hit for Three. The hooky narrative, superb performances and filmic execution landed it in the sweet spot for audiences who built and grew across the run. The cliffhanger ending makes for an equally hilarious and gripping second series.’

The new series will be produced by Objective Fiction, with Andrew Chaplin returning as director and Ben Farrell, Joe Tucker and Lloyd Woolf as executive producers.

Series one is available to watch now on BBC Three. Here's a clip:

Published: 21 May 2016