Christopher Eccleston to resume ITV Safe House role for second series

Eccleston will lead a new four-part story about retired detective Robert who, unbeknownst to the local community, opens his Lake District home as a police safe house.

Marsha Thomason, who plays Eccleston's wife Katy, has also signed on to return.

The second series will begin filming in the Lake District in February 2016 and air later that year.

"From the outset, the ambition was for Safe House to become a returnable series," said Paula Cuddy, Eleventh Hour Films' head of development.

"The characters of Robert and Katy, maintaining their cover and providing a place of safety for those in need of protection is a compelling idea.

"We're thrilled to be returning to tell another complex and engaging story."

Silent Witness writers Ed Whitmore and Tracey Malone will take over from Michael Crompton writing the thriller, with Marc Evans returning to direct.

It has been recommissioned by ITV's director of drama Steve November and controller of drama Victoria Fea, and will be produced by Eleventh Hour Films.

The first series was very successful for ITV, averaging 6.5 million viewers per episode and a 24% share of the audience.