Production gets underway this week on the second series of Sherwood, written by James Graham and produced by House Productions for BBC One. 
 

The first series, which garnered more than six million viewers (seven-day consolidated), centred on a tense investigation into two shocking murders that tore apart an already divided community. 
 

The drama was inspired in part by real events that took place in the mining village in Nottinghamshire where Graham grew up; the writer will once again take inspiration from the communities of the ‘red wall’ towns for the second series. 
 

Clio Barnard directs Series 2; Kate Ogborn produces. Graham has written all six episodes; he also exec produces alongside Juliette Howell, Tessa Ross and Harriet Spencer for House Productions and Ben Irving for the BBC. 
 

Graham said at the time of the commissioning news: “I’ve been so deeply moved by the response to Sherwood. These stories come from my home, and I want to specifically express gratitude to my community for whom I know these subjects can be difficult, but – I hope – important ones to explore.
 

“The East Midlands and former ‘red wall’ areas like it are never just one thing – politically or culturally – and it’s been the honour of my life to give voice and character to a place I love. It’s a county of great stories and legends, past and present, and I can’t wait to show audiences more. It’s also a joy to see our incredible cast be so celebrated, along with lead director Lewis Arnold, who I owe a great debt, and Ben Williams.

“None of this would have been possible without House Productions championing and supporting me every step of the way, and without the public-service remit of the BBC.”
 

Juliette Howell and Tessa Ross, executive producers for House, add: “No single place is defined by just one story, and it was always our intention, and hope, that James would get to return to the wider community of Nottinghamshire to build on the world created in Sherwood and explore more characters and their stories, delving into the issues and relationships that have long shaped them.”