THE second series of a popular ITV drama is to be set in Carlisle and Keswick.

Following the success of season one of Innocent, which averaged more than seven million viewers per episode when it aired on ITV in 2018, bosses have ordered a new story and second series for the drama.

The four-part series opens with Sally Wright, played by Coronation Street star Katherine Kelly, in the dock of Carlisle Crown Court, who is determined to prove her innocence and that she’s been the victim of a miscarriage of justice.

As she waits for the jury to decide on her appeal, she contemplates how she’s lost everything; her relationship, home and marriage to probation officer, Sam – played by Jamie Bamber of Marcella – her job at a local comprehensive, her status and good name in the community, and personal contact with her ageing mother who now lives in a care home.

“I’m thrilled to be working on this complex and thrilling drama by Matt Arlidge and Chris Lang,” explained Katherine.

“I look forward to bringing the mix of Sally’s fragility and quiet strength to life.”

Produced by TXTV (Innocent, Undeniable, The Little House, Torn), Innocent II focuses on a scandal involving schoolteacher Sally Wright, who was alleged to be having an affair with her 16-year-old pupil, Matty Taylor.

When Matty is found dead, brutally stabbed with a broken cider bottle, suspicion falls on Sally who had admitted to taking special interest in the boy.

In spite of having no criminal record, no history of violence and vehemently protesting her innocence and the fact she couldn’t be placed at the scene on the day Matty was found murdered, Sally was convicted by a majority verdict and sentenced to a minimum of 15 years in jail.

Filming has now started on location in the Lake District and Ireland.

An official release date is yet to be confirmed but it is expected to be on our TV screens some time next year.