Sally Wainwright has admitted the pressure is building for her to come up with a good second series of Happy Valley.

The writer of the hit BBC police drama is currently working on the follow up to the series, which stars Sarah Lancashire, and said for the first time in her career she felt nervous.

According to Digital Spy, she said: “It’s the first time I’ve felt pressure actually, writing the second series of Happy Valley, because the first series was massively successful in a way I haven’t experienced before.

Happy Valley Sarah Lancashire
Sarah Lancashire stars in Happy Valley (PA photo/BBC/Red Productions)

“I’ve written three of the six episodes so far. I think it’s really good. The test will be writing the last three episodes, and it’s about maintaining that quality throughout the whole series. You need a clear focus so the audience feel that they’re in good hands. It’s scary but great.”

ITV drama Broadchurch was also popular in its first run but left many viewers feeling disappointed with the sequel and Sally revealed she was confused as to why the series written by Chris Chibnall had not met expectations.

She said: “The thing with a new season is that you want to get it right. You want to make something that is worth watching, you don’t just want to churn something out just for the sake of it.

“If something has been recommissioned it’s because it’s good. You’ve got to work hard to make sure the new series is just as good. Second series are often better than first series.”

Broadchurch
Broadchurch’s second series got mixed reviews (ITV)

Sally continued: “It’s weird that Broadchurch’s second series hasn’t appeared to have been as successful as the first.

“Second series are often better because of confidence. You’ve got a second series because the first one worked, so you’re in a good place and your actors are in a good place.

“They tend to have a lot more about them because your characters can develop.”