Comedy gets a third series before second has even aired

BBC Two has ordered a third series of its sitcom Mum, before the second has even aired.

The show was written by Him & Her creator Stefan Golaszewski and stars Lesley Manville as recently widowed Cathy and Peter Mullan, who plays potential love interest Michael.

Series one aired in May and June last year and averaged a million viewers per episode according to overnight figures – and amassed plenty of critical acclaim. The six episodes spanned  a year in 50-year-old Cathy’s life as she attempted to move on from the death of her husband

The cast also includes Sam Swainsbury as Cathy's son Jason; Lisa McGrillis as his dim girlfriend Kelly, Ross Boatman as Cathy's brother, Derek and Dorothy Atkinson as Derek's snobby partner Pauline.

Executive producer Kenton Allen, the chief executive of programme-makers Big Talk said: '

Big Talk CEO, Kenton Allen said:  "We’re absolutely thrilled to get this vote of confidence from Patrick and Shane. The BBC have been amazing supporters of Stefan and Big Talk over the last eight years, since the very first pilot of Him & Her, and they continue to be an amazing home to nurture and develop comedy writers. Plus, all our Mums will be delighted by this very good news.'

BBC comedy chief Shane Allen added: 'added: 'Mum is a truly special series, combining microscopic observation of human behaviour with a heart the size of Cathy's wheelie bin. It's a privilege to be able to bring another series to BBC Two.'

The second series is due to air early next year. The third, six-part  series will go into production next summer for broadcast later i the year.

A US remake is also in the works, headed by The Social Network producer  Scott Rudin and writer and Homeland actor Tracy Letts.

Published: 19 Oct 2017