Happy Valley third and final season finally confirmed: ‘It’s time to let the dog see the rabbit’

Finally, Happy Valley’s return has been confirmed (Picture: BBC)

Sally Wainwright’s Happy Valley will return for its third and final series, it’s finally been confirmed.

Sarah Lancashire will reprise her role as Sergeant Catherine Cawood, with James Norton and Siobhan Finneran also back as villain Tommy Lee Royce and Catherine’s sister, Clare Cartwright, respectively when filming kicks off in 2022.

Happy Valley series two closed with Tommy locked up behind bars and his son Ryan curious to learn more about the father banished by Catherine.

‘When Catherine discovers the remains of a gangland murder victim in a drained reservoir it sparks a chain of events that unwittingly leads her straight back to Tommy Lee Royce,’ teased a synopsis from BBC.

‘Her grandson Ryan is now 16 and still living with Catherine, but he has ideas of his own about what kind of relationship he wants to have with the man Catherine refuses to acknowledge as his father.

‘Still battling the seemingly never-ending problem of drugs in the valley and those who supply them, Catherine is on the cusp of retirement.’

Tommy’s back… (Picture: BBC)

Creator and writer, Wainwright, enthused: ‘I’m delighted to find myself back in the world of Catherine Cawood and her family and colleagues for the final instalment of the Happy Valley trilogy.

‘It’s been wonderful to see the lasting impact this series has had on audiences all over the world. I’m thrilled that Sarah, James and Siobhan are back on board for what I hope will be the best season yet, and thrilled once again to be working with the wonderful team at Lookout Point, the BBC and our new colleagues at AMC.’

On reprising the sinister role of Tommy, Norton added: ‘To take on Tommy one final time is a wonderful and daunting privilege, and something I’ve been looking forward to since we wrapped the last series, 6 years ago.

‘I’m so excited to be working with the insanely talented Sally and Sarah again. Thinking we should all go on one last barge holiday, for old times’ sake.’

Lancashire, cool as ever, simply teased: ‘It’s time to let the dog see the rabbit.’

Happy Valley series one and two are available to stream on BBC iPlayer and Netflix.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.