The Street gets third BBC series

A third series of Jimmy McGovern's award-winning drama The Street has been commissioned by BBC Fiction boss Jane Tranter. The new series will air on BBC1 in 2009 and further explore the "darker side of human nature", according to the corporation.

Made by ITV Productions, McGovern will once again work on the six-part series with new writers. Casting for the new series has yet to be agreed. Previous cast members include David Thewlis, Timothy Spall, Jim Broadbent, Gina McKee, Jane Horrocks and Sue Johnston. McGovern – whose credits include Cracker, The Lakes and Hillsborough – co-created The Street with Sita Williams and they will both be executive producers the third series.

Williams said: "It is a great credit to Jimmy McGovern that we have won the most prized drama awards for two consecutive years." BBC Independent Drama commissioning editor Polly Hill said: "I am delighted that The Street will return for a third series. Jimmy's compelling storytelling and the wonderful cast it attracts continues to deliver powerful drama about ordinary folk. We are delighted it's captured the audience's imagination and are thrilled to see it receive an RTS and BAFTA for the second year running."

The Street has also won an International Emmy for Jim Broadbent's performance.