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A BBC detective drama could be ‘set to make huge return’, according to reports, one year after the series ended with a big twist.
Six-part drama Rebus, starring Outlander’s Richard Rankin as the titular character, aired in May last year but there had been no news of a second series until now.
It was a modern update of the hugely popular ITV adaptations, that first hit screens in 2000, starring John Hannah and Ken Stott.
The BBC1 series is billed as a ‘reimagining’ followed the policeman’s exploits in his younger days.
A TV insider told The Sun: ‘Even though the first series did well in the ratings, the fact there was no update on a follow-up had a few devotees wondering if it would happen.
‘After all, these days channels and streamers often announce a second outing before the first has finished airing. No news felt like bad news.’
Six-part BBC drama Rebus, starring Outlander’s Richard Rankin as the titular character, could be ‘set to make huge return’, according to reports
They added: ‘It seems particularly surprising they took so long to confirm another outing, because the first one ended with a big twist that left audiences wanting more.’
MailOnline has contacted the BBC for comment.
Last year, Richard gave his honest opinion on the possibility of a second season of the crime drama and appeared optimistic about the likelihood.
He told the BBC: ‘I hope people take out of it what we put in. The entire ensemble of cast and crew are immensely talented individuals who all brought their A-game to the series.
‘I think that really shows. I hope audiences will develop an appetite for more so that we can bring another series their way further down the line.’
‘I really hope that people will fall in love with Rebus in the same way that we have.’
Given that there are 24 novels that follow the life of Inspector John Rebus, the writers of the show certainly have the material to continue the story.
However, some critics didn’t react well after watching the first episode – especially its brutal opening scenes.
It first aired in May last year but there had been no news of a second series until now
A TV insider told The Sun: ‘It seems particularly surprising they took so long to confirm another outing, because the first one ended with a big twist that left audiences wanting more’
The first episode of the prequel opens with Rebus trying to suffocate a notorious gangster in the back of an ambulance. Only the intervention of a commanding officer prevents the killing.
‘The BBC’s Rebus reboot is so violent and uncompromisingly bleak that I had to force myself to keep watching past the first five minutes,’ said appalled television critic Kathryn Flett.
She added: ‘I suspect discerning viewers won’t care, they’ll recoil. And switch off.
‘I didn’t want to spend time with Gregory Burke’s version of Rebus because he is patently a violently unhinged thug and life is far too short to be repulsed in the name of entertainment.’
