Following the conclusion of the first series of The Missing this evening, millions of viewers were given a surprise taste of a second series of the hit BBC One show. As the case of Oliver Hughes came to a startling conclusion, BBC One broadcast a cryptic trail revealing clues to a whole new series.
Made by New Pictures for BBC One, the series will once again be written by Harry and Jack Williams and will be told over two time frames but with a new case, new characters and new location.
This evening’s trail was written by Harry and Jack Williams and was directed by Tom Shankland. It presented viewers with an intriguing, atmospheric sequence hinting at subtle clues pointing towards series 2. The sequence was accompanied by a voice over from the lead French detective, Julien Batiste (Tcheky Karyo):
“To lose somebody can destroy a person. But to find them again, when so much has passed… Well. Sometimes…that can be worse.”
Harry and Jack Williams, Writers (Two Brothers Pictures), say: “We always knew that the story of Oliver Hughes would have an ending. But in writing the first series we found there were many themes and issues we didn’t have the chance to explore. The response to the show has been fantastic, and we’re thrilled to be telling a brand new story which we hope will surprise and intrigue and tell an even bigger tale on an even more ambitious canvas.”
Willow Grylls and Charlie Pattinson, Executive Producers for New Pictures, say: “The Missing has been a great start for our new company. We are delighted to be given the opportunity to work with Harry and Jack on a second series which promises to deliver fresh twists and insights in a completely new and unique setting.”
Charlotte Moore, Controller, BBC One, says: “The Missing surprised at every turn, weaving a gripping and complex story across two timescales which kept viewers guessing til the very end and demonstrated the range and ambition of drama on BBC One. I’m really pleased to announce that the incredible team behind the series will bring a new case to our BBC One audience and we can guarantee another challenging, contemporary story written by Harry and Jack Williams.”
Ben Stephenson, Controller BBC Drama commissioning, says: “Harry and Jack Williams’ original drama series has had the nation gripped for the last eight weeks and has proved both a critical and ratings hit with our BBC One audience. With a brand new and fresh case ahead – we can’t wait to learn what Harry and Jack have in store for series two.”
The hugely successful first series of The Missing has had the whole nation gripped from the start, winning rave reviews and accolades and has become appointment to view TV for over seven million people each week. It recently received two Golden Globe™ nominations for Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television and Best Performance by an Actress in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television for Frances O’Connor.
Series Two has been commissioned by Charlotte Moore, Controller, BBC One and Ben Stephenson, Controller BBC Drama Commissioning and will consist of 8x60minute episodes. Executive producers are Willow Grylls, Charlie Pattinson and Elaine Pyke for New Pictures, Harry and Jack Williams for Two Brothers Pictures, Polly Hill for the BBC and Colin Callender for Playground.
Produced by New Pictures in association with Two Brothers Pictures, the second series of The Missing will transmit on BBC One in the UK and STARZ in the US.
all3media International negotiated the co –production for The Missing with Starz on behalf of New Pictures and handles overseas sales for the show. Other sales include that to TF1 France and deals in Denmark, Sweden Australia, Norway and Canada.
Publicity contact: Jeni Noel – jeni@ianjohnsonpublicity.co.uk