Shortly after the series premiered as BBC Two’s highest rated drama series in 8 years TVWise broke the news that the core cast of The Fall had signed on to do a second run and that BBC Two controller Janice Hadlow was on the verge of green-lighting the second season. Hadlow and the BBC’s Controller of Drama Ben Stephenson have now pulled the trigger on that and formally renewed the series for a second season.

There is no official word from the BBC on the number of episodes ordered for the second season or when production will commence, but sources tell me that the order is for five episodes and that shooting should commence on location in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in January 2014. In addition, as TVWise previously reported, Gillian Anderson has been upped to executive producer for season 2. My sources also tell me that the scripts for the show’s second season are already written. In fact I’m told that BBC executives gave series creator Allan Cubitt the go-ahead to begin scripting season two shortly after production wrapped on the show’s first season in Northern Ireland in June 2012.

The move to renew The Fall comes shortly after the series outstripped Line Of Duty to become not only BBC Two’s highest rated drama series of 2013, but of the last eight years. The series also performed well in week 2, with the series retaining most of its initial audience and only seeing a drop off of 100K viewers or 3%. I’m told that the decision to renew the series was taken due to a “perfect storm” of top quality writing from series creator Allan Cubitt, outstanding ratings, heavy critical acclaim and the strong performances of Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dornan.

“The Fall has proved both a critical and ratings hit for BBC Two and another reminder of the resurgence of drama on the channel” said Ben Stephenson, the BBC’s Controller of Drama. ”With more of Allan Cubitt’s intricate and thrilling plot revelations yet to unfold through the captivating performances of Gillian and Jamie, a second series is a must. Obviously we can’t give too much away as the first series builds to a gripping cliff-hanger but what we can say is it will be surprising and intense as the first.”

Writer and creator Allan Cubitt commented: “The BBC has been an incredibly supportive partner in this project and working with BBC NI and the Artists Studio has been the best experience of my career to date. I always envisioned The Fall as a returning series and wish to congratulate both Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dornan who have played their parts to perfection.”

While Gub Neal of Artists Studio added: “We are thrilled with the success of The Fall and the recognition of the remarkable work of Allan Cubitt, our wonderful cast, Jakob’s original direction and the sterling work done by the production team in Northern Ireland too. The BBC’s recommission of The Fall fully underpins Artists Studio’s commitment to put the writer at the heart of the creative process – and the success of the show is testimony that it really works.”