Flowers to return to Channel 4 for Series 2

Monday 19th September 2016, 2:41pm

Flowers. Image shows from L to R: Maurice (Julian Barratt), Deborah (Olivia Colman), Donald (Daniel Rigby), Amy (Sophia Di Martino). Copyright: Kudos Productions

Channel 4 has today confirmed that it has commissioned a second series of Flowers, the dark comedy drama created by Will Sharpe.

The network has ordered six new half hour episodes, in association with US comedy streaming channel Seeso.

The acclaimed series, which aired over five consecutive nights on Channel 4 in April, introduced the world to the eccentric Flowers family - Maurice, Deborah and their grown-up twins - and received praise from viewers and the press for its originality and unique tone.

Olivia Colman and Julian Barratt will return as husband and wife Deborah and Maurice, with Daniel Rigby and Sophia Di Martino signed up to reprise their roles as troubled twins Donald and Amy.

In the new series Deborah and Maurice are looking at a new era of their marriage and whether they can survive the challenges laid bare in Series 1; Maurice's suicide attempt, Deborah's infidelity, and the twins' inheritance of their parents' emotional foibles.

Donald and Amy - whose arrested development was a major part of Series 1 - are now forging their own futures amongst the fallout of their parent's complicated love and their own new enterprises. Meanwhile, Shun - played by Will Sharpe - continues his unofficial role as the family's factotum.

Flowers. Image shows from L to R: Amy (Sophia Di Martino), Maurice (Julian Barratt), Deborah (Olivia Colman), Donald (Daniel Rigby). Copyright: Kudos Productions

The channel says: "Can they survive the next chapter of romantically and mentally epic challenges in the spiral that promises to plague the generations of the Flowers family?"

Writer and co-star Will Sharpe says: "Channel 4, Kudos, Seeso and [Executive Producer] Naomi De Pear have all been such supportive partners on this show and I'm very excited about working with them on another series of Flowers. 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.''

Commissioner Nerys Evans comments: "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."

Naomi De Pear adds: "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. And proud that it will be the first production I make at my new label."

Evan Shapiro, Head of Seeso, says: "The Flowers are perhaps the most unique family on TV. It is wonderful to be working with the outrageously talented Will Sharpe, the spectacular cast, and our generous partners to bring them back."

Series 2 of Flowers will be filmed in 2017.

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