Whitechapel starring Rupert Penry-Jones, Phil Davis and Steve Pemberton recommissioned for a second series

ITV has confirmed the best performing new drama of 2009 so far – Whitechapel starring Rupert Penry-Jones, Phil Davis and Steve Pemberton – has been recommissioned for a second series.

Atmospheric and brooding, Whitechapel II will once more boldly draw on an iconic cult crime born out of the area.  After Jack the Ripper came the gangster brutality of the Krays, and in Whitechapel II the paranoia of this era and the faded glamour of the former East End overlords will characterise the drama. It will be as sharp, intense and as visually distinctive as Whitechapel I with the gangster culture the Krays instilled never far away.  Produced by Carnival Films, the new story will broadcast as three episodes.

Penry-Jones, Davis and Pemberton all return to their characters of Chandler, Miles and Buchan with pathos and black humour remaining key to Whitechapel II.  Copycat murders, maiming and torture will trigger intense emotions and DI Chandler (Rupert Penry-Jones) will be given an even greater run for his money than first time round.  This time it is personal.

Commissioned by ITV’s Director of Drama Commissioning, Laura Mackie, Whitechapel will be full of the history, texture and detail that gave the first series a distinctive personality.

“Whitechapel II will be as audacious and as compelling as the first series strengthened by further character development and very real personal jeopardy.  We’re delighted to be commissioning more episodes following the success of Whitechapel I,” said Laura.

Pre-production of the Whitechapel II is due to begin autumn 2009.

ITV’s Drama Commissioning team have also recently commissioned: Downton Abbey, written and created by Oscar winning writer Julian Fellowes, an adaptation of Ann Cleeves’s novel Hidden Depths starring Brenda Blethyn as the lead character Vera, Law & Order: UK; Lewis; and Murderland.  Projects in production include: four new episodes of Marple and four episodes of Poirot including the iconic Agatha Christie thriller Murder on the Orient Express. Coming to air this autumn is The Fixer, Blue Murder, Marple, Murderland, Midsomer Murders; Collision, Englishman in New York and Trinity (ITV2).

Visit www.itv.com

Enjoy the show then purchase Whitechapel at Play.com

Images © ITV

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