Blue Lights Season Four Set for Dramatic Return with Shocking Character Comeback
Fans of the acclaimed BBC police drama Blue Lights are in for a major surprise as bosses have confirmed that a legendary character is making an unlikely return in the upcoming fourth season. The show, created by Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson, first aired on BBC One in 2023 and has since captivated audiences with its gritty portrayal of policing in Belfast.
Dark Secrets and Unexpected Returns
In a thrilling development, it has been revealed that Richard Dormer, who played the late Gerry Cliff in the much-loved series, is set to make a shock return. This comes after his character was shot dead at the end of the first season, leaving fans devastated. The popular character died in Constable Jen's arms following an attack by a masked gunman, making this comeback all the more unexpected.
The co-creators, Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson, expressed their excitement about the new series, stating: 'We’re very excited to bring this series of Blue Lights to audiences. It reveals a lot of dark secrets, examines what justice looks like in Belfast today, and ties together the past, present, and futures of Grace, Annie and Tommy in an action-packed story.'
Plot Details and Cast Updates
Season four will not only focus on Gerry's murder trial but also follow his team's ongoing struggles as they battle crime in Belfast. The six-part series will see the return of key cast members, including:
- Hannah McClean
- Jen Robinson
- Jonathan Harden
- Siân Brooke as Grace Ellis
- Nathan Braniff as Tommy Foster
- Katherine Devlin as Annie Conlon
Other stars set to reappear include Martin McCann, Joanne Crawford, Andi Osho, Frank Blake, Dearbháile McKinney, and Andrea Irvine, ensuring a rich ensemble for the new storyline.
Production and Background
Blue Lights is produced by Two Cities Television and co-produced by Gallagher Films. The fourth series is produced by Brendan Millin, with episodes one to three directed by Angela Griffin and the next three by Sam O'Mahoney. The show, which has won a Bafta, is set in modern-day Belfast and follows rookie cops navigating the city's complex social and criminal landscapes.
Reflecting on the series' success, Nick Lambon, BBC drama commissioning editor for the UK and Northern Ireland, said: 'Blue Lights has gripped and entertained millions of viewers across three series and Declan and Adam’s scripts will once again have us all on the edge of our seats. Gerry Cliff was such an integral part of series one so to have Richard Dormer back alongside our talented cast is a dream come true.'
Fan Reception and Previous Seasons
The third series premiered on September 29 last year, continuing the story from its debut in 2023 and follow-up in 2023. It featured the squad ambushing a drug-filled gathering, a man dying from a suspected overdose at a high-end nightclub, and officer Grace Ellis dealing with personal turmoil. Fans have praised the show as 'one of the best shows ever broadcast by the BBC' and hailed previous seasons as 'phenomenal' and 'off the scale brilliant'.
With filming set to resume in Belfast, season four promises plenty of twists and turns, delving into the murky world of accountants and lawyers who facilitate organised crime. Series 1-3 are currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer, building anticipation for this latest installment.
