New series of Whitechapel commissioned

'Whitechapel' has been commissioned for a new six-part series.

The ITV1 detective drama - which stars Rupert Penry-Jones, Phil Davis and Steve Pemberton - will begin filming this spring for transmission in 2012.

During the new series, the team will spread their investigations beyond the boundaries of London's Whitechapel district, with three stories each comprising two episodes, featuring crimes being solved from over 300 years ago.

Sally Woodward Gentle, executive producer of the new series, said: "I am delighted we are getting the chance to tell brand new 'Whitechapel' stories but this time as a series.

"The East End of London is steeped in history, secrets and gore and we now have the opportunity to take Chandler, Miles and Buchan to places darker still. If you thought the Ripper and Krays were scary, just wait."

The original three-part serial of 'Whitechapel' was launched in February 2009 and a second series was commissioned by ITV in September 2009 with the focus on the infamous Kray twins, Ronnie and Reggie.

Laura Mackie, director of drama for ITV, added: "Whitechapel is a striking and distinctive crime drama that has struck a real chord with the ITV1 audience. The longer run will allow us to tell an even richer range of stories from the Whitechapel area."