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Normal People series 2: Will there be another series on BBC?

NORMAL People has received raving reviews since it first aired in April 2020. 

Viewers of the show have fallen for the love story of Irish teenagers Marianne Sheridan and Connell Waldron. With tonight being the last episode of season one, the big question is will the BBC show be returning for a second series?

 Normal People has been a hit with viewers since it first aired
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Normal People has been a hit with viewers since it first airedCredit: BBC

Will there be a series two of Normal People?

It has not been announced if there will be a second instalment of the popular romance drama.

When discussing the possibility of a sequel, co-producer Ed Guiney revealed there were no immediate plans.

Without ruling the possibility out, he said: "Not in the short term."

Making the idea even less likely is the fact Sally Rooney, who wrote the 2018 book the series is based on, has not so far penned a follow-up.

 The BBC series follows the love story of Marianne Sheridan and Connell Waldron
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The BBC series follows the love story of Marianne Sheridan and Connell WaldronCredit: WARNING: Use of this image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture

However, fans needn't be too disappointed - Guiney has confirmed to Digital Spy that they are already hard at work adapting another of her best-selling novels, her 2017 debut.

He said: "We've turned our attention – we're adapting Conversations With Friends as a television series.

"It's the same basic team. Lenny (Abrahamson) is going to direct it and is across it as an executive producer. And Alice Birch and all of us at Element Pictures.

 There are no firm plans for a second series
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There are no firm plans for a second seriesCredit: WARNING: Use of this image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture

"So that's what we'll be turning our attention to next."

However, Guiney still hinted that if it was up to him, he would like to return to Normal People.

He said: "But maybe down the line we'll come back to Connell and Marianne."

In the same vein, Oscar-nominated series director Lenny added: "I have a fantasy of doing a kind of 10-year… you know, seeing where they are in 10 years' time sort of thing. It'd be good."

Who will be in the cast?

Given the current absence of a second confirmed series, there have been no details released about who might appear in the cast.

However, given the positive reception to Daisy Edgar-Jones playing Marianne and Paul Mescal, who brought Connell to life, it is likely both would make a return.

 Both Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones have said they would be happy to reprise their roles
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Both Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones have said they would be happy to reprise their rolesCredit: BBC

What's more, both stars would be happy to reprise their roles - and tell more of the young lovers' story.

Asked about a second series, Paul said: "If that was the case, then absolutely.

"I think what's glorious about it is that the book definitely feels final about their lives. They're still existing in the world somewhere. I think that's probably a question for Sally and everybody else.

“But I'll put my hand up and say I'd play Connell until the cows come home."

Daisy added: "Same. Yeah, very much so."

What will happen?

Warning: Spoilers from series one below

Fans of the book will know that the ending of the series kept close to the book's emotional cliff-hanger.

In the novel, Connell tells Marianne - who he is finally official with - that he has secured a place on a year-long literary course at Cornell University in the United States.

She is determined to remain in Ireland, meaning their relationship will now have to navigate the strain of long-distance - but will their love cope?

This leaves the plot very much open to a reprisal, likely starting with this turning point in their lives.

What happened in series one?

Normal People is set in the Republic of Ireland, and follows the on-off love story of a young teenage couple over a period of a few years.

The plot begins with their final year of school - and beginning of their romance - in a small town in County Sligo, where Connell is a popular star athlete while Marianne is an awkward loner who can also be quite intimidating.

We then see how their relationship evolves at university, Trinity College Dublin, and beyond.

Trailer for Sally Rooney's 'Normal People'
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