Sky orders 8 more Agatha Raisin episodes
Sky1 has ordered another 8 episodes of Agatha Raisin, the crime-based comedy drama based on the books and stories of MC Beaton.
Ashley Jensen will resume her role as the notorious Agatha, a PR whizz who, having given up her successful life in London, finds herself living in the quiet village of Carsely. There she ends up involved in investigating various crimes.
The full series order follows the success of the pilot episode - titled Agatha Raisin And The Quiche Of Death - which was first broadcast on Boxing Day in 2014.
Mathew Horne will return as best friend Roy for the series, and Katy Wix will play Ashley's cleaning lady Gemma again. Other returning cast include Matt McCooey and Jason Barnett as unlikely crime fighting duo PC Wong and DI Wilkes, and Jamie Glover as Agatha's on-off love interest James.
Over the course of the "fun and vibrant series", Agatha will attempt to solve a number of mysteries in the Cotswolds, from the death of a local witch to the demise of a flirtatious young vet. The will-they-won't-they relationship between Agatha and on-off love interest James will continue, meanwhile, as the pair pose as a married couple in order to solve a crime, as well as exploring other romantic options.
The screenplays will be written by Stewart Harcourt and Chris Murray. The eight stories to be adapted are confirmed as Walkers of Dembley, Hell's Bells, Wellspring of Death, Potted Gardener, Vicious Vet, Day the Floods Came, Witch of Wyckhadden and Murderous Marriage.
Adam McDonald from Sky1 comments: "The Quiche of Death quickly established itself as a favourite amongst Sky1 customers so I'm delighted to be welcoming Agatha Raisin and her escapades back to the channel. Fortunately, thanks to the incredibly talented MC Beaton we had another 24 brilliant stories to choose from."
The news was announced as part of Sky's new season launch. Trollied, Stella, Mount Pleasant, Duck Quacks Don't Echo and The Moaning Of Life will also return, joined by new shows After Hours, Rovers and You, Me & The Apocalypse. Also announced was A League of Their Own: American Road Trip, a three part special for the channel's hit sports-based panel show.
Agatha Raisin will be shown on Sky1 later this year.