Channel 4 has confirmed that its detective drama Patience will return for a third season, following strong viewership. The season two premiere attracted over 4 million viewers, and the series has become the eighth most streamed show across all platforms midway through its run.
The show stars Ella Maisy Purvis as Patience Evans, an autistic criminologist who works with York Police. After DI Bea Metcalf (Laura Fraser) resigned, Patience formed a new working relationship with DI Frankie Monroe (Jessica Hynes), which has gradually improved over the past eight episodes. Season three will see them as 'close colleagues... even friends'.
Channel 4's synopsis teases a personal storyline for Patience: 'Family bonds bring a new horizon for Patience, as she navigates building a relationship with her estranged half-sister Joy, while also investigating her father's death. Was the car crash that killed him really an accident or is there more to the case than meets the eye?' Patience will also take 'a new step in her romantic life', with actor Tom Lewis reprising his role as love interest Elliot Scott.
Jessica Hynes is confirmed to return for season three, alongside Nathan Welsh (Jake), Mark Benton (Calvin), Adrian Rawlins (Douglas), Ali Ariaie (Will) and Liza Sadovy (Dr Parsons). The third season will be the longest yet, consisting of 10 episodes, compared to six in season one and eight in season two.
Polly Scates, Head of Acquisitions at Channel 4, said: 'We're delighted to welcome Patience back to Channel 4 for its third series. The show has really captured the hearts of our viewers.' Jo McGrath, Chief Creative Officer at Eagle Eye Drama, added: 'Audiences across the world have taken Patience to their hearts... This is testament to the quality of our outstanding cast, led by Ella Maisy Purvis and production team, led by director Maarten Moerkerke.'
