Damned, the Channel 4 sitcom about a group of put-upon local council social workers, is to return for a second series.

The channel has confirmed it has ordered another six-part series, for broadcast later in 2017, in conjunction with international rights-holder Lionsgate.

Written by Jo Brand, Morwenna Banks and Will Smith, the series stars Brand with Alan Davies, Isy Suttie, Kevin Eldon, Georgie Glen and Himesh Patel.

Originating as a pilot for Sky Arts in 2014, the What Larks! comedy was picked up by Channel 4 for its first series, which broadcast during 2016.

Producers say: "In a post-Brexit world, defined by a new government and legislation that no one can really fathom, Rose remains as irritable, chaotic and resentful as ever as she tries to juggle home, work, family and her far-too-present ex-husband. Meanwhile Al, apathetically trying to surf a mid-life crisis, considers pastures new to inject some much needed excitement, and a new challenge, into his life. Martin is back full time and this time round he's in charge so things might be about to change - but ever so kindly and slowly cause he's a nice bloke. But will his new position of power bring out some unseemly dictatorial traits?

"Crises pile up as crucial files appear to have taken a walk so Nat, now a permanent member of the team, turns detective to track them down while Denise lets her beady eye slide off the ball as her attention turns inward to her own family issues. Nitin remains his reliable and pompous self, a beacon of the officious in a sea of corner cutting, whilst Ingrid (Morwenna Banks) becomes the bridge between the personal and the professional as she takes on a huge challenge.

"And that's just the staff, as they say, before they've even begun to tackle the complex and brutal problems out there in the community. The threat of violence is never far away as the Elm Heath team once again face up to a series of problems that our increasingly complex society just expects them to sort out without any fuss or acknowledgement."

Jo Brand says: "I'm looking forward to letting myself back in to the Elm Heath Childrens' Services office and catching up with the staff. It's one of my favourite alternative worlds to be in and I think there are going to be quite a few unsettling challenges for our team. Well I know there are, because I'm writing some of them!"

Nerys Evans, Deputy Head of Comedy at Channel 4, says: "With their unique, bittersweet take on front line social workers, we can't wait to welcome Jo, Morwenna, Will and the team back to Channel 4 to hear more about what trials and tribulations they have in store for their much-loved characters."

Claire Whalley, producer, says: "We are absolutely delighted that Channel 4 and Lionsgate have decided to go for a second series of Damned. With its factually based stories and sharper than sharp writers, it promises to be an even grittier and funnier series than before emerging out of a very authentic world."

Zygi Kamasa, CEO of Lionsgate's European office and Lionsgate Television Group Chairman Kevin Beggs jointly commented: "It's great to continue our partnership with Channel 4 and What Larks! for Series 2 of this topical and timely comedy. The response has been tremendous and we expect the show to continue to resonate with audiences for a long time."

As reported yesterday, Damned is film distribution company Lionsgate's first major foray into British television, however it is now assessing its British film holdings for potential future TV adaptations.

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