Ellis Season 3: Star Breaks Silence on Return as Channel 5 Drama Concludes
As the gripping second series of Channel 5's detective drama Ellis draws to a close, fans are eagerly speculating about the possibility of a third season. The show, which first premiered in 2024, has captivated audiences with its compelling storytelling and groundbreaking representation.
Star's Enthusiasm for a Potential Return
Andrew Gower, who portrays DS Harper alongside Sharon D Clarke's DCI Ellis, has openly expressed his desire to reprise his role. In a recent interview with Radio Times, Gower stated, "Oh yeah, that’s a very easy ‘yes’. To work with Sharon and to keep giving life to Harper and Ellis." He emphasized the importance of audience reception, adding, "If we can keep entertaining audiences and they keep wanting more, then that’s what we’ll do with Ellis."
Gower further elaborated on the potential for character development, noting, "I think the more series we have or the more episodes we have – films, whatever people call them – then that means that we’re doing something right and that means that this relationship can grow." He highlighted the flexibility of British detective shows, suggesting there is ample scope for the series to expand over multiple seasons.
Legacy and Impact of the Series
Ellis has been celebrated for featuring the UK's first black solo female-led detective drama, with award-winning actress Sharon D Clarke at the helm. Reflecting on the show's significance, Clarke previously remarked, "The thing I love the most about Ellis is that she is on our screens! I love playing Ellis because I didn’t grow up seeing anybody like her on my television screen." She expressed hope that the series would inspire future generations, stating, "So that is my joy, that this is a first, and I am getting to lead that brigade and hopefully pass that baton on to people coming behind me."
The second series, which aired recently, continued to engage viewers with intricate plotlines involving the disappearance of a local boy, a murder uncovering old grudges, and the death of a student found crushed under scaffolding. As the finale aired, speculation about the future of DCI Ellis and DS Harper has intensified.
Channel 5's Programming and Future Plans
While Channel 5 has yet to officially confirm a third series of Ellis, the network has announced its replacement in the Tuesday 9pm slot. Starting March 24, the channel will air Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, a feature-length factual drama starring Martin Clunes, Osian Morgan, Sian Reese Williams, and Jason Hughes. Channel 5 described the drama as exploring "the story of how a vulnerable 17-year-old boy was groomed by one of the most powerful figures in television - Huw Edwards."
Despite this scheduling change, Ellis remains available for streaming on Channel 5, allowing fans to revisit the series as they await news on its potential renewal. The combination of critical acclaim, audience demand, and the cast's enthusiasm suggests a promising outlook for the detective drama's future.
