The BBC has given the go-ahead to a third series of James Graham's Nottingham-set drama Sherwood.

The show is set in an ex-mining community and follows the dark inter-personal relationships between various families, involving murder, drugs, cover-ups and police corruption.

Series two has just finished airing and while full ratings data is not yet available, the BBC says that the first episode has been seen by more than 6.5 million people to date.

Lindsay Salt, the BBC's head of drama, said: "Sherwood has quickly established itself as one of the all-time great television dramas, with its impeccable mix of characters, story and themes that have gripped and resonated with millions of viewers across the UK.

"We're so pleased to be working with James Graham and the team to bring his exciting plans for Sherwood's third chapter to the BBC."

Graham, who will again pen the episodes in the new series, said: "It continues to be the greatest privilege to tell stories set in and inspired by the history of my home county of Nottinghamshire.

"My biggest appreciation... goes to our audiences and I'm determined to deliver for them in a series three, which will be a new set of stories, and the continuation – and completion – of some strands I've been dreaming of for some time."

The all-star cast on the most recent series included David Morrissey, Monica Dolan, David Harewood, Lorraine Ashbourne, Robert Lindsay and Lesley Manville.

Further casting and filming details have yet to been released for series three, which will have a most likely airdate of 2026 on BBC One.