BBC Drama Exclusive: SHERWOOD RETURNS FOR CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED THIRD SERIES – LESLEY MANVILLE LEADS STAR-STUDDED CAST IN NOTTINGHAMSHIRE TENSION!

The BBC’s powerhouse crime drama Sherwood is officially back, with filming underway on its third series, set to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer later in 2026. Created and written by multi-award-winning James Graham, the show has been hailed by critics as “one of the greatest television dramas of recent years,” boasting near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes scores (96% across Seasons 1 and 2) and widespread praise for its intelligent storytelling, raw realism, and unflinching exploration of community fractures.

At the emotional core stands Lesley Manville as Julie Jackson, reprising her powerhouse role as the resilient, principled community figure navigating grief, loyalty, and moral complexity in the former mining heartland of Ashfield, Nottinghamshire. Manville’s layered performance—steely yet deeply human—has been central to the series’ success, earning her acclaim for portraying a woman shaped by tragedy and resilience. Joining her are returning stars: David Morrissey as DCS Ian St Clair, the determined detective haunted by the area’s dark past; Lorraine Ashbourne as Daphne Sparrow; Claire Rushbrook as Cathy Rowley; Robert Lindsay as Franklin Warner; Robert Glenister; Lindsay Duncan; Perry Fitzpatrick as Rory Sparrow; and Bill Jones as Ronan Sparrow.

The new season picks up after the dramatic Season 2 finale, where Daphne Sparrow witnessed the matriarch Ann Branson vanish into a reservoir amid the escalating family feud. Now, a fresh family dynamic takes center stage, introducing complex relationships, hidden tensions, and morally challenging situations that ripple through the tight-knit community. Secrets from the past refuse to stay buried, forcing characters to confront long-term consequences of violence, betrayal, and justice.

A stellar lineup of new cast members adds heightened intensity: Rosalie Craig (Riot Women, The Hack) brings sharp edge; Joe Dempsie (Get Millie Black, Toxic Town) injects raw energy; Kirby Howell-Baptiste (The Sandman, Sugar) offers nuanced depth; Sue Johnston (The Royle Family, True Love) lends veteran gravitas; Peter Wight (Another Year, A Confession) delivers understated menace; Ben Batt (Riot Women) and Adam Long (Day of the Jackal, Masters of the Air) round out the ensemble with compelling new perspectives.

Graham’s writing continues to shine, weaving timely themes of division, truth, and reconciliation against the backdrop of Ashfield’s real historical scars—from the 1984 miners’ strike to modern community wounds. The series masterfully balances thriller pacing with profound character study, asking difficult questions about loyalty in fractured times. “Sherwood has always been about people caught in the aftermath of history,” Graham has said, promising the third season will deepen that exploration while delivering gripping drama.

Filming in Nottinghamshire captures the region’s authentic grit—former pit villages, rolling countryside, and intimate community spaces—enhancing the show’s grounded realism. Critics and fans alike anticipate another season of outstanding performances, layered narratives, and conversations that linger long after viewing.

With its blend of suspense, social commentary, and exceptional acting, Sherwood Season 3 is poised to dominate 2026 TV discussions. Manville’s return ensures emotional depth, while the new cast promises fresh conflicts and revelations.

Don’t miss the return of this modern masterpiece—BBC One and iPlayer await.