Written by Jimmy McGovern (Broken), the first series of Time stars Sean Bean (Game of Thrones) and Stephen Graham (Boiling Point) and focuses on inmate Mark’s (Bean) life in prison after he accidentally kills an innocent man. Graham took the role of a prison guard trapped in a decision between his morals and his family's safety.

Series two will follow an original female-led story line, co-written by Jimmy McGovern and Helen Black (Life and Death in the Warehouse).

Arriving at Carlington Prison on the same day, Kelsey, Orla and Abi, played by Bella Ramsey (The Last of Us), Jodie Whittaker (Doctor Who) and Tamara Lawrance (The Silent Twins) respectively, will unexpectedly find a sense of community upon being incarcerated; albeit whilst dealing with the omnipresent threat of violence from the other inmates.

Siobhan Finneran (Happy Valley) will be making a return as her character from series one, the compassionate prison chaplain Marie-Louise.

Ramsey says: “I’m very happy to be a part of this project, working with an incredible team and following on from a stellar first season. And it’s such an honour to be Kelsey, I’m really excited to experience the world through her for a few months.”

Lawrance says: “Being a part of women-centred stories and productions is very important to me, as well as projects that challenge a prejudice.

"Time series two humanises a sector of society that is too often and easily vilified by elucidating the layered reasons why people end up in the criminal (in)justice system. I’m excited for us to platform the complexity of these characters and their experiences.”

Series one was a hit for the BBC, gaining 11.6 million viewers across the three-part series.

Filming for Time series two will take place in and around Liverpool later in 2023. Series one is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.