14 TV shows we're looking forward to in 2016

We look at the shows that will have us reachin for the remote... 

Happy Valley, BBC One

It's no surprise Happy Valley was recommissioned for a second series.

The combination of Sally Wainwright's powerful writing and Bafta-award nominated performances from Sarah Lancashire as policewoman Catherine Cawood, and James Norton as her psychopathic nemesis Tommy Lee Royce, made it must-see TV.

All three return for the new episodes, with the likes of fellow Corrie alumni Katherine Kelly and Julie Hesmondhalgh joining the cast.

Reg, BBC One

When Jimmy McGovern's name is associated with a script, you know you're in for a thought-provoking treat.

The man behind Common, Accused and The Street has now written a 90-minute drama called Reg, which follows the true story of Reg Keys, a man who took on Tony Blair and Britain's participation in the Iraq War after his son Tom was killed in Al Majar.

McGovern says: "It was an honour to meet Reg Keys, a truly remarkable man, and it has been a privilege to tell this part of his story."

The Living And The Dead, BBC One

Humans star Colin Morgan faces more supernatural goings-on in new six-part mystery The Living And The Dead, which is currently being filmed in Bristol.

He plays a man tasked with investigating paranormal happenings, but as the terrifying investigations become ever more frequent, Nathan's interest in the occult begins to threaten his family, and his sanity. Charlotte Moore,

Controller BBC One, says: "From the creators of Life On Mars and Ashes To Ashes comes exciting new fantasy series The Living And The Dead, steeped in real history and mythology that will scare the audience and awaken the dead."

One Of Us, BBC One

Harry and Jack Williams, the brothers behind gripping drama The Missing, are set to have viewers on the edge of their seats once again, with new four-part thriller, One Of Us.

Boasting an impressive ensemble cast - including Juliet Stevenson, Joe Dempsie and Bafta-winner Georgina Campbell - the story starts with the murder of a young couple, and explores the effect it has on two families living in an isolated part of Scotland.

Audiences will witness the consequences when it dawns on the group that a killer is among them...

Cold Feet, ITV

After much speculation, it has finally been confirmed that the cast of Cold Feet will reunite for a new eight-part series, once again written by Mike Bullen, with production due to begin in Manchester in the New Year.

The much-loved show ran for five series from 1997, and we'll be catching up with the then 30-something characters as they approach their 50s.

Fans can see how Adam (James Nesbitt) has coped bringing up his son following the death of his soulmate Rachel; whether Pete (John Thomson) and Jenny (Fay Ripley) are still together, and how David (Robert Bathurst) and Karen (Hermione Norris) are getting on.

Raised By Wolves, Channel 4

Acclaimed writer Caitlin Moran might find the notion of taboos archaic, but none the less, the series she co-wrote with her sister Caz, which is a 'modern day reimagining' of their childhood, growing up on a Wolverhampton council estate, was described as 'taboo-smashing' when it aired on Channel 4.

In 2016, it'll be back for a second run, set six weeks after the first series ended with the silhouette of the absent patriarch filling a doorway.

Expect more drama, chaos, sexual exploration and scene-stealing dialogue from Rebekah Staton as straight-talking mum-of-six, Della.

SS-GB, BBC One

Hollywood stars Kate Bosworth and Sam Riley star in this five-part thriller, co-adapted from Len Deighton's novel by Robert Wade and Neal Purvis, the screenwriters behind numerous Bond films.

It depicts life had the Germans won the Battle of Britain, with the story set in a Nazi-occupied London. Riley plays detective Douglas Archer, who's working under the SS when a murder leads him into even darker territory, while Bosworth stars as American journalist Barbara Barga, who finds herself linked to the killing.

Victoria, ITV

Following her departure from Doctor Who, all eyes will be on Jenna Coleman, as she undertakes the title role in this new eight-part drama detailing the early life of Queen Victoria.

Filming is under way in the north of England, with the likes of Rufus Sewell starring as Lord Melbourne, Victoria's first prime minister; Eve Myles as Mrs Jenkins, the Queen's senior dresser, and Adrian Schiller as Penge, the household steward.

Expect lots of scandal, intrigue, and a hint of romance, as we peek behind-the-scenes at the royal household.

The Fall, BBC Two

Gillian Anderson, along with her never-ending array of silk shirts, and Fifty Shades' star Jamie Dornan return for a third series as detective superintendent Stella Gibson and serial killer Paul Spector.

The psychological thriller, created, written and directed by Allan Cubitt, is back in Belfast for more episodes, with the complex relationship between Gibson and Spector set to intensify, according to insiders. Given that the finale of series two left many viewers frustrated, it'll be interesting to see how this pans out.

Dark Angel, ITV

Downton Abbey's Joanne Froggatt stars as serial killer Mary Ann Cotton in this drama, based on the true story of the Victorian poisoner.

Viewers will meet Mary Ann as a seemingly loving wife and mother, as she returns to her native north-east England - but when faced with abject poverty, it doesn't take long to see what steps she's willing to take in the pursuit of bettering herself.

Let's just say: beware when this woman offers you an apparently innocuous cup of tea.

Dark Angel also features Alun Armstrong, Laura Morgan and Sam Hoare, and was shot in North Yorkshire and County Durham.

Doctor Thorne, ITV

Has Julian Fellowes been enjoying a well-earned rest following the end of Downton Abbey?

Not exactly - he's been busy adapting Doctor Thorne, one of his favourite Anthony Trollope novels, into a new series for ITV.

Tom Hollander stars as the doctor, who lives in the village of Greshamsbury with his young niece, Mary (Stefanie Martini).

When the heir of the aristocratic but financially troubled Gresham family falls in love with Mary, his mother, Lady Arabella (Rebecca Front), does her utmost to secure a more favourable bride. Look out for Prince Harry's ex Cressida Bonas as Mary's confidante, Patience Oriel.

Poldark, BBC One

Be still, beating hearts - Aidan Turner, no doubt along with a gratuitous shot of his chest, returns as brooding hero Ross Poldark, for a second run of the hit series.

The cast has been busy shooting on location in Cornwall and Bristol for the 10 new episodes, adapted from third and fourth novels by Winston Graham.

Familiar faces, including Eleanor Tomlinson as Poldark's wife Demelza, are back, while new characters - such as Ray Penvenen (John Nettles), one of the county's wealthiest landowners - also pop up.

With riot and revolution in the air, Poldark will be fighting for his freedom, and attempting to repress feelings for a certain woman...

Humans, Channel 4

Channel 4 smash Humans is expected to return in 2016. The first series, which aired over the summer, is one of Channel 4’s highest rated originated drama in 20 years, pulling in an average of 4.8m viewers per episode. 

Set in a parallel present, the series explored what happens when the lines between humans and machines are blurred. The series will return for eight brand new episodes.

Writers behind the show said all of the major characters from the first series will return, including the Hawkins family.

The Walking Dead, Fox

The nail biting sixth season continues on February 15 following a mid-season break. 

Last time we saw Rick, Michonne and co they were trying to make an escape amid a herd of walkers, meanwhile Carol and Morgan were battling it out over the Wolf and Daryl, Abraham and Sasha came face to face with an armed group who didn't look incredibly friendly. 

We also heard the first of Negan and quite frankly we're afraid.