ITV has ordered a fourth season of detective drama DCI Banks.

Stephen Tompkinson will return as DCI Alan Banks in six new 60-minute episodes, inspired by novelist Peter Robinson’s books.

Andrea Lowe (Love Life) also reprises her role as DS Annie Cabbot, alongside Caroline Catz (Doc Martin) as DI Helen Morton.

Season 4 will feature “powerful personal stories for the lead characters, both in their private lives and in their work environment; a deeper exploration of Banks’ relationship with his parents, further complications in Annie and Banks on/off romance and a personal crisis that threatens Helen’s career”.

ITV’s Head of Drama Series, Jane Hudson, commented: “This series will see Banks pushed to the limit as he tackles his toughest crimes to date whilst dealing with a personal tragedy which turns his life upside down.”

Executive producer Andy Harries added: “What people love about DCI Banks is the compelling stories that are drawn from real life and often inspired by real events.  It’s a proper British detective show set in the heart of modern Yorkshire.”

Season 4 begins filming in Yorkshire later this month.

Are you looking forward to Season 4? Let us know below…