Six new episodes for Daisy Haggard’s black BBC comedy

Daisy Haggard’s black comedy Back To Life is to return for a second series.

Six more half-hour episodes have been commissioned about ex-convict Miri Matteson, who tries to resume a normal life after returning home to  Hythe, Kent after 18 years inside.

American  premium network Showtime, which is currently airing the first series,  has come on board as a production partner for the second run of episodes.

Haggard – who writes the show with former Perrier-award winner Laura Solon – said: ‘Laura and I are delighted that Showtime and the BBC are giving us a chance to continue Miri’s story. There’s so much more to tell and we are incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to do that!’

The first series, described as a ‘darkly comic gem; by The Guardian, debuted on BBC Three in April.

Harry Williams, managing director of production company Two Brothers Pictures, says: ‘The reception that Back To Life has received has been amazing. 

‘Daisy and Laura are those rare writers who can make you laugh and cry in equal measure - which is a wonderful quality. We can't wait for fans to see what they have in store for Miri this time around.’

Kate Daughton, head of comedy at the  BBC, says: "BBC Three’s job is to champion the next wave of ambitious and talented writers. We’ve struck gold with Daisy and Laura. Back To Life was an instant hit with audiences here and it’s been great to see their distinct UK voices enjoying international success as well.’

Back To Life  co-stars Geraldine James as Miri's sexually frustrated mother Caroline; Richard Durden as her obsessive environmentalist father, Oscar; Jo Martin as her parole officer Janice; Jamie Michie as her first love Dom, Christine Bottomley as her ex-best friend Mandy  Adeel Akhtar as next-door neighbour Billy and Liam Wiliams as fish and chip shop owner and Miri's boss Nathan .

No filming or air dates have yet been announced.

Created and written by: Daisy Haggard
Co-writer: Laura Solon
Made by: Two Brothers Pictures
Executive producers: Harry and Jack Williams, Daisy Haggard, Laura Solon and Sarah Hammond
Commissioned by: Shane Allen, Controller of Comedy Commissioning and Fiona Campbell, Controller for BBC Three, and by Gary Levine and Jana Winograde, Presidents of Entertainment, Showtime Networks Inc.
Commissioning editor for the BBC: Kate Daughton.

Published: 19 Nov 2019