Second series for Olivia Colman and Julian Barratt comedy

Channel 4 has commissioned a second series of Flowers with Olivia Colman and Julian Barratt.

Another six half-hour episodes of creator Will Sharpe’s dark and eccentric show will be filmed next year, in association with US comedy streaming channel Seeso.

It follows the critical success of the first series, which aired over five consecutive nights in spring 2016, and also starred Daniel Rigby and Sophia di Martino as social misfit twins. Read our review here.

Channel 4’s deputy head of comedy Nerys Evans, who commissioned the second series, said: ‘Covering deeply complex issues like fidelity, mental health, sexuality and fraying family bonds, Will Sharpe’s hilariously awkward and heart-breaking show offers another unmissable look at the Flowers’ messed-up world. 

‘Will’s scripts and the show’s perfect cast are so brilliant at making you wail with laughter one minute, and well up the next. I couldn’t be more excited for the family’s return to Channel 4.’

Sharpe, who also plays the unofficial factotum of Barratt’s children’s author character Maurice, said: ‘We are looking forward to spending time with these characters again and are already making plans about how to make the most of this opportunity to see a new chapter in their lives.’

The second series will see Deborah and Maurice try to survive the problems exposed in series one; Maurice’s suicide attempt, Deborah’s infidelity and the twins’ inheritance of their parents’ emotional foibles.

Executive producer Naomi de Pear, said: 'There's so much more pain and silliness to mine in the lives of the Flower family. I feel very lucky to be plotting the next era of tragicomedy for this dysfunctional and soulful bunch with the ridiculously poly-talented visionary Will Sharpe.’

Published: 19 Sep 2016