In November I visited the set of Prisoners Wives in Rotherham. I can reveal that the second 4-part series is set two weeks after the final episode of Series 1 and looks set to be as explosive and emotional as the first.

Pippa Haywood and Polly Walker are back to reprise their roles from Series 1 but are joined by new cast members Karla Crome (Misfits, Lightfields) and Sally Carman (Shameless) complete the foursome. Carla’s character Aisling is a young girl who struggles on the outside as her long father serves yet another prisoner and Sally’s character Kim reaches breaking point as her husband is arrested for an unspeakable crime. When I visited the set on a dark and dreary day November the majority of the filming was nearing the end and it’s expected we’ll see series 2 in the Spring on BBC1. It was also revealed that Anne Reid (Last Tango in Halifax) will guest star.  Anne plays a hard-nosed  retired accountant who works on the outside for Paul, Francesca’s husband…

The first series of Prisoners Wives drew both audience and critical acclaim when it premièred in the winter of 2011 and expectations are high for the new series.  Other storylines will focus on Harriet’s conversion to Christianity and Francesca’s struggle to keep her family afloat.

Polly Walker said “said: “It was easy to return to the role of Francesca. There is still such a great story to tell and I hope viewers will enjoy the journey, with all its twists and turns, that she and her family take this time.”

Pippa Haywood, who reprises her role as Harriet, added: “What a thrill and a delight it is to return to Prisoners’ Wives. Harriet is a character of such range and depth it is an absolute pleasure to step back into her shoes again. She returns with great gusto and continues to grow through her prison connections. She has the chance of a new romantic relationship and continues to struggle to form a better relationship with her son. There are fantastic new characters and story lines that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats once again. We have had such an amazing response from the public – I’m sure they will enjoy this series as much as the first. I think they’re in for a treat.”

Prisoners Wives has now been confirmed to return on Thursday 14th March at 9pm on      BBC1