BBC Worldwide announced that it has sold the popular British drama series Happy Valley to the seven international broadcasters: Australia (ABC); Finland (YLE Finland); France (Canal +); Iceland (RUV); New Zealand (TVNZ); Norway (NRK) and Sweden (SVT).

Starring Sarah Lancashire (Last Tango in Halifax, The Paradise), Happy Valley is a compelling six-part drama written by Sally Wainwright (Last Tango in Halifax,Scott & Bailey). It revolves around the personal and professional life of a hard-working, dedicated police woman (Sarah Lancashire), in a small town where drunkards, drug addicts and teenage pregnancies are a way of life. Her world is turned upside down when the man she thinks is responsible for her daughter’s death – Tommy Lee Royce (James Norton) – is released from prison.

Liam Keelan, Director of Scripted at BBC Worldwide said, “Happy Valley has taken the UK by storm and really showcases the best of British drama. We are very proud to be taking this popular series to audiences around the world to enjoy.”

Happy Valley is a 6 x 50’ drama series and a Red Production Company production for the BBC. It premiered on BBC One in the UK to 7.6 million viewers and a 28.9% share, winning its time slot. The series finale notched up an unprecedented 92.5 rating for the national broadcaster – BBC One’s highest ever AI for a drama series. BBC Worldwide holds the international distribution rights for the programme.