91Èȱ¬

Moving On, 91Èȱ¬ One Daytime's critically acclaimed drama, whose writers were mentored by BAFTA award-winning writer Jimmy McGovern (The Street), is set to return for a second series, it is announced today.

Liam Keelan, Controller of Daytime, has commissioned 10 new episodes of the original drama, doubling the run of the first series.

Executive produced by Jimmy McGovern and by LA Productions' Colin McKeown, Moving On comprises 10 stand-alone episodes all linked by the common theme of how to move on in life.

The series will once again be written by a combination of new and established writers and will be filmed on location in and around Liverpool.

Speaking about the commission Liam Keelan says: "As the sole provider of originated drama in daytime, it's really important 91Èȱ¬ One delivers something as distinctive as Moving On.

"The quality of writing and acting talent proved a real hit with our viewers and builds on the strong reputation of other daytime dramas such as the award-winning Doctors and the forthcoming Land Girls.

"I am sure this series will succeed in delighting our audiences as much as the first."

Moving On was first shown in May this year and starred a high-profile cast including Shelia Hancock, Richard Armitage, Lesley Sharp, Mark Womack, Dervla Kerwin and Ian Hart.

The series explored contemporary issues such as debt, cross-dressing and the Ghurkha situation and attracted a record daytime drama audience of 1.6 million viewers.

The series was subsequently re-shown in an evening slot on 91Èȱ¬ One.

Moving On is made by Liverpool production company LA Productions.

Producer Colin McKeown says: "The audience feedback for the first series was phenomenal, with huge appreciation for the quality of the drama as part of the 91Èȱ¬ daytime schedule. The series represented an opportunity to blend high-profile experienced talent both on and off the screen, with upcoming writers and directors.

"Any drama series is only as good as its screenplay and to have Jimmy McGovern as the writers' mentor ensures the highest quality of writing which in turn attracts the highest quality of cast. We believe that series two is going push this quality bar even further."

Filming begins on Moving On later this year. It will transmit in Spring 2010.

The 91Èȱ¬ Executive Producer is Liam Keelan.

JP2