'It feels like a no-brainer to get the band back together'

The BBC has ordered a second series of its hit comedy thriller Black Ops.

The corporation’s director of comedy, Jon Petrie announced that Gbemisola Ikumelo and Hammed Animashaun would be returning as hapless cops Dom and Kay while speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival today.

Series one launched in May with 2.3million viewers, attracting an average  of 1.6million over the six episodes.

They charted how  Dom and Kay joined the Met Police as Police Community Support Officers in the hope of cleaning up their community but found themselves thrust into the world of deep cover infiltration and a powerful criminal enterprise. 

Ikumelo and Akemnji Ndifornyen – who plays gang boss Tevin – created the show with writing duo Joe Tucker and Lloyd Woolf.

Ikumelo said: ‘It’s been such a joy to see how audiences have got behind this show. So, it feels like a no-brainer to get the band back together and create more danger, adventure and laughs for everyone. This next season promises to have Dom and Kay really surprising us. Can’t wait!’

Ndifornyen added: ‘We had so much fun doing the first one we just had to go again. Much love to our audience for watching and to the BBC for their support. I can’t wait to show you what’s next for Dom, Kay - and of course - Tevin. Let’s go!’

Series one was also praised by critics. The Guardian called it ‘hilarious and nail-biting…a very bingeable series,’ the Telegraph said: ‘Who knew incompetent coppers and tough gangs could be this hilarious?’ and Chortle said: ‘The BBC looks as if it has an instant hit on its hands with Black Ops.’

Production on series two is set to get under way next year, and further casting will be announced later.

Petrie said: ‘The first series of Black Ops had BBC viewers hooked with a perfect balance of big laughs and gripping plot. Gbemisola, Akemnji, Joe and Lloyd have created something special, and we look forward to seeing what Dom and Kay get up to next.’

Josh Cole, head of comedy at progamme-makers BBC Studios Productions, says: ‘We’re thrilled to be returning for more Black Ops. The show is a passion project for all involved, and with Gbemisola, Akemnji, Joe and Lloyd we have a glorious surfeit of talent at the helm. We can’t wait to join Dom and Kay on another misadventure.’

Made by: BBC Studios Comedy Production with Mondo Deluxe
Created by: Gbemisola Ikumelo, Akemnji Ndifornyen, Joe Tucker and Lloyd Woolf
Commissioned by: Jon Petrie for BBC One and BBC iPlayer
Executive producer: Josh Cole
Commissioning editor: Seb Barwell

Published: 24 Aug 2023