Filming has begun for the fourth series of the BAFTA-winning BBC police drama Blue Lights, with actress Angela Griffin returning as a director. Griffin, known for roles in shows like Coronation Street and Waterloo Road, shared an update from the set, expressing her enthusiasm despite challenging weather. Fans have responded with excitement, eagerly awaiting the new episodes.
The popular BBC One series Blue Lights, which first aired in 2023, explores life in a post-conflict Northern Ireland through the lens of its police officers. The show has garnered acclaim for its gritty storytelling, twists, and relatable characters, earning a BAFTA award and securing a future beyond its initial seasons.
Angela Griffin, a familiar face from long-running British series such as Coronation Street, Waterloo Road, Casualty, and Lewis, is now stepping behind the camera for Blue Lights' fourth installment. Having appeared in the third season, she confirmed that production is in progress via an Instagram post over the weekend. In the photo, she holds a director's clipboard and captions it: "Week one done. #BlueLights4 It's cold, it's windy, it’s cold, it's rainy and it's cold. But it’s brilliant. Firmly back in the saddle and loving it."
Griffin elaborates on the directing process: "Directing has three parts, the prep, the shoot and the edit… each one allows you to craft the story… but my favourite will always be the shoot, regardless of the weather. Being part of the crew, collaborating with cast and realising all the visuals we’ve discussed and planned for weeks is magical. It's always better than I’ve imagined. Roll on week 2. #directorslife."
Her previous experience includes directing episodes of Waterloo Road, where she also starred. Despite over 30 years in acting, Griffin describes herself as a novice in directing. In a recent Radio Times interview, she said: "I've acted for over 30 years but I am so new to the [directing] industry. So there's nobody anywhere offering me anything. I've got to go through the process. I suppose there's a slight thing of, 'Does she know what she's doing?'"
She added: "I was really, really worried about what I had taken on and if I'd bitten off more than I could chew. But then, when the process started, it felt like the most natural thing I've ever done."
Securing the role involved a standard application process, with no insider connections—Griffin had never worked in Belfast before. The update has thrilled fans, who commented: "Love it!! It’s going to be another unbelievable series xx." Another wrote: "We can’t wait for the next series of Blue Lights." A late viewer shared: "Just finished the last series, very late to the party. It was BRILLIANT. Delighted you’re working on the next."
Blue Lights remains available to stream on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.