Gangland Secrets Rock Catherine’s World in Happy Valley Series 3
Catherine’s world is flipped upside down when she discovers the remains of a gangland murder victim in a drained reservoir. This grim find drags her right back into the shadowy life of Tommy Lee Royce. Meanwhile, her 16-year-old grandson Ryan is starting to question his fractured family ties, wanting a relationship with the man Catherine refuses to call his father. Caught in the middle is Catherine’s sister Clare, stuck between loyalties. Elsewhere in the valley, trouble brews as a local pharmacist gets tangled up when a neighbour is arrested.
Sally Wainwright Opens Up: What is Happy Valley Really About?
“It’s not a police show, it’s about Catherine — who just happens to be a police officer,” says creator Sally Wainwright. “This isn’t a standard crime procedural. It’s really about Catherine and the lasting impact of her tragic past, especially her twisted relationship with a man who ruined her life.”
Inspired by a documentary on drug and alcohol struggles in Hebden Bridge and childhood favourite Juliet Bravo, Wainwright’s vision was clear. “I wanted to write my own Nurse Jackie, but since I couldn’t write about a nurse, I wrote about a tough policewoman instead,” she reveals.
Meet Catherine Cawood: Tough, Funny, and Tragic Heroine
Catherine is no ordinary cop. Wainwright describes her as “strong, stubborn, with a sharp streak of irony and comedy.” She’s a good woman shadowed by immense personal tragedy, shaping who she is today. “She was once full of fun, but tragedy struck hard,” explains Wainwright. “Police officers have to be strong, and Catherine embodies that resilience.”
Much of the character’s depth comes from Sarah Lancashire’s phenomenal performance. “She captures every subtle moment with extraordinary empathy. Audiences connect with her instantly,” Wainwright says.
From Concept to Screen: The Making of Happy Valley
Wainwright always had Sarah Lancashire in mind for Catherine, having previously worked with her on Last Tango In Halifax. “Sarah just gets every detail and brings fantastic charisma to the role,” Wainwright notes.
The show’s title, Happy Valley, comes from local police slang for the area known for its drug issues. “It’s a dark place, but the show mixes in warmth and humour,” says Wainwright. “Season two dialled up the humour, and in this new series, we keep that blend of darkness and humanity.”
After a six-year wait, the third series is finally here. Wainwright held off to let Ryan’s character grow old enough to explore complex family dynamics, making this final trilogy installment even richer. “Ryan’s now 16 and can make his own choices, which creates explosive drama with Catherine,” she teases.
Happy Valley Series 3: New Year, New Drama
The gripping third series of Happy Valley kicks off at 9pm on 1 January, exclusively on BBC One. Don’t miss the final chapter of Catherine Cawood’s stormy saga.
