Sister Boniface Mysteries returns for series 3 | News

Thursday 22 June 2023

Filming has started today on the third series of the hugely popular BBC Studios Continuing Drama production, Sister Boniface Mysteries. Series three is a co-production for Britbox International and UKTV's Drama channel and will include a feature length Christmas special written by series creator Jude Tindall and directed by Ian Barber.

Lorna Watson returns as TV's favourite Vespa driving, crime solving Catholic nun with a guest cast including Rupert Vansittart (Game of Thrones, Gentleman Jack), Siobhan Redmond (Queens of Mystery, Two Doors Down) and Timothy West (Last Tango in Halifax, Gentleman Jack).

Britain is in the grips of the 'Big Freeze' - the worst winter on record. Sister Boniface and her fellow travellers are stranded in a train after a frozen coupling snaps, leaving the last carriages stranded in snow. When The Star of the Orient, a precious jewel, is stolen from its safe and a passenger is discovered murdered, Sister Boniface must use her exceptional detection skills to decide who among the suspects is responsible. But with little signs of rescue and a failing generator, passengers must also contend with a more pressing issue - freezing to death.

Elsewhere in the series a famous organist is murdered mid-tune in the chapel, Great Slaughter's first sci-fi convention results in a mysterious kidnapping and a 'dead cert' at the screen tests for the new 'Agent Best' ends up, well... dead. To top it all, Felix has a challenge of his own when his fiancée Victoria arrives from Bermuda with an ultimatum which could change everything...

Neil Irvine, Executive Producer at BBC Studios says:

Over the last two series Sister Boniface Mysteries has developed an enthusiastic and dedicated following both in the UK and internationally so we're delighted to be bringing her back for a third series. Lorna Watson will return with fan favourites DI Sam Gillespie (Max Brown), DS Felix Livingstone (Jerry Iwu) and WPC Peggy Button (Ami Metcalf) also starring. One thing's for sure, if there's evidence to be found, Sister Boniface will find it.

Lorna Watson says:

Playing Sister Boniface is a dream, as is filming in the Cotswolds so I'm thrilled to be back for another series. I can't wait to get the team back together, jump on the Vespa and see what crimes there are to solve in series three!

Reemah Sakaan, CEO BritBox International, said:

Right from her first appearance on screen alongside Father Brown, the character of Sister Boniface has delighted fans, and Sister Boniface Mysteries has gone from strength to strength, building an international fanbase on BritBox in our markets, and being the gold standard for charming British crime drama. We and BBC Studios originally developed this series as a spin-off - and we are proud to see its continued success and growth."

Emma Ayech, Channel Director for Drama, says:

We are so excited to see our brilliant vespa-riding nun return for more crime solving. The series has been one of our highest rating shows for 2023, so it's fantastic to be giving our audience the gift of a brand new, feature-length episode this Christmas.

Sister Boniface Mysteries on Drama channel is UKTV's highest rated show of 2023, consolidating to 1.3m viewers*.

Sister Boniface Mysteries is a BBC Studios Continuing Drama Co-Production for BritBox International and UKTV's Drama channel and streaming service, UKTV Play. BritBox will also premiere the series in South Africa, Australia, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. The Series Producer is Mat McHale and the Executive Producer is Neil Irvine for BBC Studios. The Executive Producers from BritBox International are Reemah Sakaan and Stephen Nye. It is distributed globally by BBC Studios Distribution.

About Drama

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On demand on Sky, Virgin Media & UKTV Play

Free-to-air channel Drama is passionate about bringing Britain the best quality drama. From period to contemporary, family to comedy, the channel is a treasure trove of well-loved classics and modern drama which showcases the greatest stories ever told. With programmes including familiar favourites Call the Midwife, Pride and Prejudice, New Tricks and Silent Witness, and brand new and exclusive hits Sister Boniface Mysteries and The Brokenwood Mysteries, this is the channel where viewers can escape and indulge in a handpicked range of the nation's most celebrated TV dramas.

About UKTV

UKTV has been at the forefront of branded television for over 30 years, entertaining the nation with programmes they love. Its leading brands - Dave, Gold, W, Drama, Alibi, Eden and Yesterday - span comedy, entertainment, natural history, factual and drama, and are delivered to audiences through UKTV Play, Freeview, Sky, Virgin Media, BT, TalkTalk, YouView, Freesat and Amazon Fire. The broadcaster is a significant investor in British creativity and is committed to working with new and established writers, directors and programme-makers.

UKTV is part of BBC Studios, the UK's most-awarded production company, a world-class distributor with international branded services, and a commercial subsidiary of the world's leading public service broadcaster, the BBC.

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About BBC Studios

BBC Studios is a commercial subsidiary of the BBC Group with sales of £1.6bn (21/22). Able to take an idea seamlessly from thought to screen and beyond, the business is built on four pillars: a global Content Studio (producing, investing and distributing content globally); Channels & Streaming platforms in the UK and across the world; a Brands & Licencing operation which seeks to amplify the impact of IP; and the successful UK-based multi-channel network UKTV. Around 2,400 hours of award-winning British programmes are made by the business every year, with three-quarters of its revenues from non-BBC customers including Discovery, Apple and Netflix. Its content is internationally recognised across a broad range of genres and specialisms, with brands like Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing with the Stars, Top Gear, Prehistoric Planet, Bluey and Doctor Who. BBC.com is BBC Studios' global digital news platform, offering up-to-the-minute international news, in-depth analysis and features, including BBC Worklife, BBC Culture, BBC Future, BBC Travel and BBC Reel, for PCs, tablets and mobile devices.