'Underbelly' prequel series in the works

Underbelly writer and producer Greg Haddick has revealed that he is developing a prequel of the controversial Australian drama series.

Based on real events, Underbelly revolves around the notorious gangland killings in Melbourne which spanned for almost a decade.

Speaking to the North Shore Times, Haddick confirmed that he had started work on a second series.

"It's been quite phenomenal, the success of Underbelly," he said. "There's no great secret the second series will go backwards in time, as a sort of prequel. We're hoping the second series will be just as big as the first."

The show's initial 13 episode were a ratings hit on Australia's Nine Network. It is expected to screen in the UK on FX later in the year.