Happy Valley Series 3: Gangland Murders and Family Feuds Shake the Valley
Catherine’s world is rocked when she discovers a gangland murder victim’s remains in a drained reservoir. This grim find drags her right back into the dark orbit of Tommy Lee Royce.
Meanwhile, her 16-year-old grandson Ryan is growing up fast and ready to take control of his own life. He’s keen to forge a relationship with the man Catherine refuses to call his father, leaving Catherine’s sister Clare stuck in the middle of the family drama.
Elsewhere in the valley, a local pharmacist finds himself in hot water when a neighbour is arrested, adding more twists to the tense atmosphere.
Exclusive Interview: Sally Wainwright on Happy Valley’s Dark Heart
How do you describe Happy Valley?
“It’s not just a police show,” creator Sally Wainwright insists. “It’s about Catherine — a strong police officer with a crooked past and a twisted relationship with a man who ruined her life. It’s not a crime procedural. It’s a character-driven drama.”
What inspired Happy Valley?
Sally was moved by the documentary Shed Your Tears and Walk Away, which explored drug and alcohol issues in Hebden Bridge. Plus, the ’80s police drama Juliet Bravo, filmed nearby, was a big influence. “I wanted to create a strong female lead like Nurse Jackie, but as a cop instead of a nurse,” she adds.
Meet Catherine Cawood: Tough, Stubborn, and Unforgettable
Sally describes Catherine as “strong, stubborn, and laced with a sharp streak of irony and comedy.” Tragedy has shaped her into who she is, but beneath the grit remains a fiercely entertaining and resilient woman.
Why do fans love Catherine so much?
“That’s all down to Sarah Lancashire,” Sally says. “She’s an empathetic powerhouse, capturing every small emotional beat with incredible nuance. Sarah just owns Catherine.”
Sarah was Sally’s first and only choice for the role after working together on Last Tango In Halifax. “She has that magnetic charisma and delivers every line perfectly.”
The Name Game: Why Happy Valley?
“Local police officers actually call it Happy Valley — a cheeky nod to the area’s drug problems,” reveals Sally. “The show is dark but has humour too, especially in the later seasons. It’s about people finding warmth and laughter even in the bleakest places.”
Why The Wait? Sally Explains the 6-Year Gap Before Series 3
“We waited six years because Ryan needed to be old enough to make his own choices,” says Sally. “At 16, he can rebel, slip away from Catherine’s watchful eye and decide how he feels about his dad.”
Rhys, who plays Ryan, returns with a powerful performance, making this trilogy finale packed with family tensions and explosive drama.
Don’t miss Happy Valley Series 3 — starting 9pm on 1 January, BBC One.
