Lesley Sharp and Suranne Jones will begin filming Series 4 on location in the Manchester area next spring.

Amelia Bullmore, who plays DCI Gill Murray, will also write the scripts for four of the new episodes.

Series 3’s finale earlier this year was watched by an average 7.1 million viewers.

> Buy Series 3 on DVD on Amazon.

Nicola Shindler, Director of Red Production Company, commented: “We’re thrilled to be producing a new series of Scott and Bailey. It’s rewarding to think the public have become so familiar with the characters and taken them to heart. With this new series, we have the chance to explore great story ideas and continue developing those characters.”

ITV’s Director of Drama, Steve November, added: “ITV Drama without Scott and Bailey would be unthinkable. Its reputation for quality storytelling and great characterisation precedes it and it’s become a firm favourite with ITV viewers. We’re delighted to be working with Nicola, Sally and Red Production Company on a fourth series.”

> Buy the complete Series 1 & 2 boxset on Amazon.

Are you looking forward to Series 4? Let us know below…