'Waking the Dead' gets two new series

A further two series of crime drama Waking the Dead have been given the go-ahead, the BBC announced today.

Filming of the fourth series - comprising six two-parters - has already begun and will transmit in the latter half of next year.

"Waking The Dead has very quickly established itself as an iconic drama series, pushing the detective genre forward," said BBC drama controller Mal Young.

"The commission of two further series, along with an Emmy nomination, demonstrates both the audience's and the BBC's confidence in the show."

The fifth series, planned for 2005, will also comprise six two-parters.