Thursday 16th July: Filming has started on the second series of Detectorists.

The seven new episodes (a series and Christmas special) are being filmed in Suffolk, Essex and London across the next few weeks.

Detectorists will continue to follow the lives of Andy (Mackenzie Crook) and Lance (Toby Jones), the two friends who share a passion for metal detecting, scouring the fields
of the English countryside for something that will change their lives forever.

Series 2 starts a whole year on from the multi award-winning first series. Lance is lovelorn after the departure of his ex-wife, but just maybe he is about to surprise everybody with a new relationship...

Meanwhile, Andy and his wife Becky (Rachael Stirling) are now proud parents, facing all the responsibilities that brings, but despite qualifying as an archaeologist, Andy is still mostly unemployed and their shared hopes for the future look further off than ever.

The BBC says: "In this hotly anticipated second series there are new loves, new challenges, new and old enemies, but always the same dream of finding a piece of Saxon gold in the corner of an Essex field."

Mackenzie Crook, who writes, directs and stars in Detectorists says: "To be back in Suffolk filming in the glorious English countryside for a second summer is more than I could have hoped for. I'm thrilled that people warmed to the first series of Detectorists and I can't wait to show them the next installment."

Adam Tandy, the show's producer, adds: "From the reaction to the first series we discovered that Detectorists is treasured as much by its audience as the team that makes it, and I know the new series will continue to delight its many fans. It's great to be back on location with such a talented cast and crew."

Executive Producer Kristian Smith comments: "Andy and Lance already feel like two old friends, and we can't wait to welcome them, and all of the other beautifully eccentric characters, back to BBC Four. The prodigious Mr Crook has done it again; we have six brand new episodes full of the same wit, charm and captivating storytelling, that we saw in Series 1. Audiences will also be treated to an extra helping, with a wonderful Christmas Special."

Series 2 Detectorists will be shown on BBC Four in late 2015.