BBC announces final series of 'Mistresses'

Mistresses is returning to BBC One for a third and final series, it has been announced.

The final instalment of the show - starring Sarah Parish, Sharon Small, Orla Brady and Shelley Conn - will consist of four hour-long episodes with a focus on love, betrayal, loss, and forgiveness.

"Mistresses - The Last Act is a final four-part special event that will bring the stories of the four mistresses to a dramatic conclusion on BBC One next year," said Ben Stephenson, controller of BBC drama commissioning.

"Simply and elegantly bookended by a mysterious glimpse into the future, all the four women will be returning - Katie, Trudi, Siobhan and Jessica - with new and sometimes shocking stories."

The series will start filming in Bristol later this year and is due to broadcast in 2010.