BBC Three has ordered another five episodes of comedy series Witless.

The sitcom follows flatmates Leanne (Kerry Howard) and Rhona (Zoe Boyle) as their lives are thrown into disarray after witnessing a gangland shooting, and they are forced into a witness protection programme.

Launched in April 2016, Series 1 was one of the first programmes to be published on the internet by the newly iPlayer-only BBC Three after its closure as a television channel. Series 2 followed earlier this year, with all five episodes published on the same day. The third - and apparently final - series is expected to be published online early next year.

Series 1 saw the mis-matched flatmates thrown in at the deep end, trying to cope with each other and the complexities of leading a new life under-cover whilst on the verge of many a temptation. The second series followed their attempts to escape from the Wit-Pro programme and return to their real lives, but become further entangled in the criminal underworld in the process.

The BBC teases: "The third series promises to continue to ramp things up with Leanne and Rhona getting closer to the end of their ordeal - but whether they make it out unscathed remains to be seen."

Kerry Howard said today: "Beyond thrilled that Witless has a third series! It's so wonderful to be a part of such a talented team on this dynamic show. I thought I could second guess our writers but I literally don't have a clue where they will take the troublesome double-act that is Leanne and Rhona, I just pray they don't kill us off! It's amazing to get a hat-trick and I'm so grateful to BBC Three for putting their faith in this show and letting us grow."

Shane Allen, Controller of Comedy Commissioning says: "Witless is the dream BBC Three sitcom - a whip smart concept, knockout funny writing, the dream double-act in Kerry and Zoe, a cast that launches new talents in a big way and highly ambitious direction. It's got the lot. Here's to going out on an adrenaline high."

Ben Farrell, head of producers Objective Fiction, added: "We're delighted and grateful that Shane, Damian [Kavanagh, Controller of BBC Three] and Kate have given us the opportunity to tell the whole Witless story. Had things ended with Series 2, it would have been like getting to the end of a novel and finding the last chapter missing. We hope the audience enjoy the exciting, rollercoaster end to the story."