ITV Orders More Endeavour, Surprise Surprise

LONDON: The crime drama Endeavour is scheduled for a second series of films on ITV, which has also recommissioned the prime-time show Surprise Surprise for a sophomore run.

Endeavour serves as a prequel to the Inspector Morse franchise. The crime drama debuted in 2012 with a feature-length story to mark the 25th anniversary of Morse. The production became one of the highest performing new drama titles to air on ITV that year. The new season will have four two-hour films.

The network also ordered more Surprise Surprise, hosted by Holly Willoughby. This time around, ITV commissioned ten episodes, which will be made by ITV Studios.

Willoughby said: “It’s great to be back for a second series of Surprise Surprise. I had so much fun being part of the show last year and have so many fond memories of the wonderful people I met, and the incredible surprises we gave. I can’t wait to do it all again!” 

"We’re truly delighted by the audience’s reaction to the first quartet of Endeavour stories, and very grateful to ITV for the opportunity to further embellish the legend,” said Russell Lewis, who returns to writing duties and is also serving as an executive producer. “As to where we’ll be going next time out..? 1966. The year of Revolver. In the Bodleian. With Miss Scarlet. ‘They think it’s all over..?’ It’s only just started, matey!”

Steve November, ITV’s director of drama commissioning, added: “The audience’s response to the classic crime partnership of Endeavour and Thursday has been incredible and we’re thrilled at the prospect of more Endeavour stories written by Russell Lewis and produced by Mammoth Screen.”