Indian Summers has been renewed for a second season already, despite being just three episodes into its first run.

The Channel 4 drama stars Julie Walters and follows the final years of British colonial rule in India during the 1930s, and has proved such a hit that it will be back next year.

In 2016, viewers will see the 10-part series back and set three years on in 1935.

Series creator Paul Rutman said: “Our story moves forward three years, to a Viceroy’s last summer, a political gamble to stifle Independence and a great reckoning for Ralph, Alice and Aafrin.

Indian Summers
Indian Summers will return next year (Channel 4)

“It’s a joy to reunite our wonderful cast and I’m beyond thrilled that viewers have responded so warmly to what they’ve seen so far. I am so grateful to Channel 4 for trusting us to continue our journey through the last years of the British Raj. I feel like the luckiest writer in the world.”

Head of drama for Channel 4 Piers Wenger added: “Paul Rutman’s unique perspective on the British Raj has lit up Channel 4 on a Sunday night and we’re delighted to be working with New Pictures again to bring viewers the next chapter of this gripping saga.”

The Channel 4 commission is a joint production between New Pictures and US channel Masterpiece on PBS, and is set to air in America this autumn.

Executive producer for Masterpiece Rebecca Eaton said: “Indian Summers is truly a television event, the result of the terrific work of our UK partners. We can’t wait to introduce this magnificent series to our US audiences.”