Dalgliesh season 3: Release date and latest news

"We are absolutely elated to return for not one, but two mysterious and compelling seasons."

But how long will the show continue for?

Speaking recently, Carvel said: "There have been conversations and I'd certainly love to do more," he began. "There are not that many more novels to adapt. But I don't know, it's above my pay grade, really, to know what the future will be.

"I'd certainly love to do more, let's put it that way."

Carvel also said that if there is demand for more episodes beyond the number of novels that are currently in existence, he would be interested in telling original narratives written by showrunner Helen Edmundson.

"Adaptation is such a sensitive thing. Helen Edmundson, who's the lead writer and the showrunner... I think she is a genuinely extraordinary adapter, but she's also an extraordinary writer of original material," he added.

"I think she's so sensitively and brilliantly and cleverly adapted these things, I would love to know what she could do... I'm very excited by her stewardship of the character.

"I think she’s remained true to PD James, but you can never deliver the source material because the format is different. It's always going to be an original thing.

"And I guess what I'm saying is I'm really excited to see what Helen wants to do next."

But back to the present....

What can you expect from this latest chapter of Channel 5's Dalgliesh?

Read on for everything you need to know.

Dalgliesh season 3 release date: When will it air?

The first episode aired at 9pm on Thursday 5th December. The second makes its debut on Friday 6th December respectively.

The remaining episodes will follow a similar pattern.

Season 3 also marks Carvel's TV directorial debut.

"I'm thrilled to return to Dalgliesh; this time behind, as well as in front of, the camera, directing a bold adaptation of PD James's first ever Dalgliesh novel, Cover Her Face," he said.

Read more:

• Dalgliesh’s Bertie Carvel says Miskin is "key" to "new relationship"
• Bertie Carvel explains why time might be right to say goodbye to Dalgliesh

Dalgliesh season 3 cast: Who's returning?

Carvel has, of course, returned as Dalgliesh, with Carlyss Peer set to return as DCI Kate Miskin.

Alistair Brammer has also returned as DS Daniel Tarrant.

Guest cast for season 3 includes:

• Claire Goose (Silverpoint)
• Anton Lesser (Endeavour)
• Lloyd Owen (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power)
• Liz White (The Long Shadow)
• Adam James (Mr Bates vs The Post Office)
• Richard Lintern (Silent Witness)
• Ellora Torchia (The Gold)
• Parth Thakerar (Gangs of London)
• Soni Razdan (War)
• Josie Walker (Belfast)

Dalgliesh season 3 books and plot: What will happen?

Season 3 consists of six episodes and explores three of PD James's novels: Death in Holy Orders, Cover Her Face, his debut book, and Devices and Desires.

"Set in 1979, the third instalment of Dalgliesh sees Commander Adam Dalgliesh take on three highly charged and highly sensitive cases in different parts of the country," reads the official synopsis.

• In Death in Holy Orders, he investigates the bloody murder of a senior churchman in a seminary in West Sussex.
• In Cover her Face, a murder in the house of a wealthy and influential family brings him to the heart of Essex.
• In Devices and Desires, Dalgliesh looks into a string of killings in Kent, suspected to be the work of anti-nuclear campaigners.

Dalgliesh season 3 trailer: Is it available to watch?

Yes – you can watch the trailer for Dalgliesh season 3 right now.

Enjoy it below.

Dalgliesh returns to Channel 5 on Thursday 5th December at 9pm.

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