Bosses revealed the fate of a crime drama dubbed “the best BBC series in years”.

A SECOND series of new crime drama Ludwig is to be confirmed after it was described by fans as “the BBC’s best series in years”.

David Mitchell stars in Ludwig – a man who leads a very lonely life until his brother suddenly disappears and he becomes embroiled in a shocking secret.

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According to a source close to the show, BBC bosses are delighted with Ludwig’s initial ratings and reviews, so it won’t be long before the second series is officially greenlit.

“There have been a lot of rumors about a second season and I would be absolutely stunned if she didn’t come back,” the source told the Mirror.

They added: “Everyone involved at the BBC is delighted with how well the show has done. It gave them the perfect detective drama, a fresh take on a classic genre.”

This was reflected in Through the Roof ratings, with the show charting in the top 10 on BBC iPlayer since its launch.

The insider added: “And it’s not just the ratings that have everyone excited, but also the rave reviews in the press and on social media.

“You only have to read the comments where fans are demanding more episodes to know that this will definitely come back. Hopefully the BBC will make the official announcement before the end of the first series.”

David, who serves as Ludwig’s executive producer, also teased that a second edition is planned.

He said: “Yes, that is certainly our hope that it continues. Fingers crossed. Of course you just hope people enjoy the first season.”

Ludwig returned to screens on Wednesday night for his dramatic third installment, but all six episodes of the series are already available to stream on iPlayer, so fans know the show ends with a massive plot cliffhanger that sets up another sequel .

In the drama, Peep Show star David plays bumbling mystery solver John “Ludwig” Taylor, whose lonely life is turned upside down when his identical twin, a police officer, disappears.

John quickly becomes entangled in this ongoing mystery when his sister-in-law Lucy, played by Line Of Duty and Motherland star Anna Maxwell Martin, asks him for help. She asks him to assume his brother’s identity to find out what happened.

In the series finale, a major plot twist is revealed about the whereabouts of John’s brother – just as John and Lucy discover a huge clue.

In addition to David and Anna, the series stars Dipo Ola as DI Russell Carter, Izuka Hoyle as DS Alice Finch, Gerran Howell as DC Simon Evans, Dorothy Atkinson as DCS Carol Shaw, Dylan Hughes as Henry Betts-Taylor, Sophie Willan as Holly Pinder see Ralph Ineson as Chief Constable Ziegler.

BBC crime series

The BBC is opening the case files for an all-star crime series this summer.

Here’s a refresher on the popular programs spanning six decades.

• Campion: This crime series, which aired from 1989 to 1990, was adapted from novels by Margery Allingham and Peter Davison starring.

• Dalziel and Pascoe: A dark detective series about an unlikely pair of police officers, based on the award-winning books by Reginald Hill. Broadcast from 1996 to 2007.

• Death in paradise: A misanthropic detective inspector is sent to a Caribbean island against his will. Premiered in 2011 and continues to air today.

• Happy Valley: Created by Sally Wainwright, this Northern Noir follows Sarah Lancashire as Sgt. Catherine Cawood – tough, defiant and confronting her traumatic past.

• Hinterland: Welsh drama starring Richard Harrington. Brooding DCI Tom Mathias uncovers secrets – and connects with his troubled past amid mountainous terrain and close-knit villages. Broadcast from 2013 to 2016.

• Secrets of Inspector Lynley: Based on the novels by Elizabeth George, this drama series follows upper-class diplomat Thomas Lynley and working-class minister Barbara Havers. Broadcast from 2001 to 2007.

• Jonathan Creek: This comedy-drama series, starring comedian Alan Davies, is about an inventor of magic tricks who is often called in to solve mysterious murders. Broadcast from 1997 to 2016.

• Law and order: This four-part drama series originally aired in 1978 and is about the British justice system. Stars include Peter Dean and Derek Martin.

• Life on Mars: Captivating sci-fi police drama about a Manchester police officer who travels back to 1973 after a car accident. John Simm and Philip Glenister star in the lead roles. Broadcast from 2006 to 2007.

• Luther: Crime series with Idris Elba as DCI John Luther. It was broadcast from 2010 to 2019, and a follow-up film was released in 2023.

• Shetland: Detective drama starring Douglas Henshall, Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell that shows the dark side of one of the most beautiful places in the world. Premiered in 2013 and continues to air today.

• The cops: Set in the fictional northern town of Stanton, this acclaimed, provocative police drama stars Katy Cavanagh, Rob Dixon and John Henshaw. Broadcast from 1998 to 2001.

• Wake the dead: With a cast that includes Trevor Eve, Sue Johnston and Wil Johnson, this series follows a cold case team as they unearth sleeping secrets, but sometimes the past is best left buried. Broadcast from 2000 to 2011.

• Wallander: Starring Sir Kenneth Branagh, Kurt Wallander is unable to overlook the dark crimes he is tasked with investigating, while Wallander’s job comes at the expense of his family and relationships. Broadcast from 2008 to 2016.

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Ludwig airs on Wednesdays at 9pm on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer.