Gemma Whelan and Jimmy Akingbola to return for 3rd series of The Tower

Gemma Whelan and Jimmy Akingbola are to return for a third series of 'The Tower'.

ITV have ordered another instalment of the crime thriller, and filming has already started on the new season, which will also star Tahirah Sharif and Emmett J Scanlan.

Screenwriter Patrick Harbinson said: "We’re delighted to be filming a third series of 'The Tower'.

"Damien [Timmer, executive producer] and I are very grateful to Polly Hill and ITV for the early commission.

"Gallowstree Lane has a high-stakes drugs and gangs storyline with Jimmy and Emmett’s characters taking major roles.

"Sarah and Lizzie have gripping and heart-breaking stories too, as the drama of Portland Tower comes full circle.

"I firmly believe series three will be our best yet."

The new series, 'The Tower 3: Gallowstree Lane', is based on Kate London’s third novel, and has been commissioned by ITV’s Head of Drama Polly Hill.

Gemma will return as DS Sarah Collins, alongside Tahirah, who was BAFTA-nominated for her role as PC Lizzie Adama for the first series, while Jimmy and Emmett portray DC Steve Bradshaw and DI Kieran Shaw respectively.

The second series, 'The Tower 2: Death Message', premieres on ITV later this month, with the four-part series streaming on ITVX.

Former 'EastEnders' actress Tamzin Outhwaite, Niamh Cusack and Ella Smith all joined the cast for the second series of 'The Tower'.

Patrick said at the time: "It’s a tribute to the quality of Kate’s novels and her complex female characters that we have been able to attract these three brilliant actresses to 'The Tower'."