Nine years after it became an instant ratings smash for the BBC and just over a month over its return to TV, Happy Valley will air its final episode on Sunday night. But many fans have been left asking the same question - will it ever come back?
As far as British dramas of the last few decades go, Happy Valley had to be up there with one of the best, with millions of viewers completely invested in the exploits of Sarah Lancashire’s formidable alter ego Sergeant Catherine Cawood.
Since series one, Catherine has been up to her neck in turmoil both in and outside of work, largely down to her arch nemesis Tommy Lee Royce, the villain who raped and impregnated her daughter Becky, before she took her won life after giving birth.
Happy Valley’s third and final series has been brewing to a showdown between Tommy and Catherine, a twist that was set into motion when he escaped from the dock and broke free from court.
READ MORE: Happy Valley finale 'spoiled' by BBC News as angry viewers complain
Last week’s penultimate episode saw Tommy make contact with son Ryan via an online game, unbeknown to grandmother Catherine and the rest of the family, with Tommy asking the teen to go on the run to Marbella with him.
Another memorable scene saw Catherine launch a verbal assault on sister Clare, clearly still fuming over Clare and partner Neil taking Ryan to see Tommy in person.
After credits rolled on that episode, fans speculated that Catherine could live to regret being so harsh to her sibling and on Sunday night they'll see if their suspicions proved to be correct, while at the same time hoping there may be another series in the future.
Will Happy Valley ever come back to BBC?
It’s not looking likely. When Happy Valley’s third series was announced last year, it was immediately confirmed that it would also be the last, with writer Sally Wainwright bringing the gripping drama to a conclusion.
A lot has been made about the fact that a number of different endings were filmed for the Happy Valley finale, suggesting that a lot of avenues have been explored as to how it will wrap up for good.
James Norton, who plays Tommy, has even claimed that lead actress Sarah spoke up to ask for the ending to be changed and a new script was written.
Executive producer Will Johnston has also put the nail into the coffin of hopes Happy Valley will be back in the future, saying: "It definitely isn't coming back – and again this is (from)Sally and Sarah who completely and rightly feel that you can have too much of a good thing.”
