Channel 4 has confirmed it has ordered six new episodes of This Way Up, the comedy series written by and starring Aisling Bea.

The second series will be set after the events of the Series 1 finale, with life in flux for Aine and her sister, Shona, played by Sharon Horgan.

Channel 4 says: "In the forthcoming series, viewers can expect more bittersweet sister-related shenanigans, including ill-advised trips to infrared saunas, and possibly another sung duet... to give the people what they want."

With spoilers for those who haven't seen Series 1, they explain: "Aine's starting to leave her time in rehab behind and live less cautiously, which may not be entirely wise. Will she and Richard (Tobias Menzies) make a cheeky go of it? Or will the employer-employee dynamic, and the presence of his son, get in the way? Or is the real emotional risk the 'sexy bit'?

"Shona is now newly engaged after Vish's (Aasif Mandvi) proposal, despite sharing a stolen kiss with business partner Charlotte (Indira Varma). How will Charlotte and Shona manage running a new business together after that kiss? Will Shona be able to go through with marrying Vish? Planning a wedding? Can she tell him what happened? Is there anything more to tell?"

The producers say: "Despite the sisters' numerous ups and downs, This Way Up centres on the unshakable bond between Aine and Shona and their passionate, caring, often-angry, always-hilarious relationship. In the darkest moments, when faced with overwhelming loneliness and sadness, the two sisters will always save each other and bring each other back into the light."

Aisling Bea says: "I am over the moon that our little baby This Way Up gets to grow up and start school. Thanks to its grandparents Channel 4 and Hulu for paying its school fees and to my wonderful team, crew and cast for helping bring it to life the first-time round.

"I was so overwhelmed by the love and support for the show. The themes of loneliness and vulnerability seemed to connect in a far more widespread way than I had anticipated, and it feels particularly relevant writing Series 2 during the last few months.

"I was so touched by the people from different countries, ages, genders and backgrounds who have gotten in touch to share their stories since the show has aired. I'm entirely grateful to be working and to be able to get our brilliant team back to work too, even though it is odd as hell filming during a worldwide pandemic. Our priority will be to keep our crew and cast safe and healthy whilst also staying creative and trying to make the best show we can.

"I hope you love seeing where Aine and Shona have moved on to. In the meantime, thank you to everyone who has offered myself and Sharon large record deals since hearing us sing Zombie and please wear a mask literally, but drop your metaphorical one."

Sharon Horgan, who also produces the show via her company Merman Productions, comments: "It's been a really tough, strange old year. We know we're lucky to be back working at all but especially lucky to be working again on This Way Up. Aish continues to make us laugh and cry with her observations on life and love and loneliness. I can't wait to be her sister again so I can legitimately give her a dead arm whenever I feel like it."

Jack Bayles from Channel 4 comments: "In This Way Up Aisling and the team have created something both beautifully observed and infectiously funny. It was a glorious first outing packed with skilful writing and outstanding performances. Like all fans of the show, we can't wait to dive back in!"

Series 2 of This Way Up will be broadcast in 2021.