Noel Clarke and Ashley Walters return for Bulletproof: South Africa in January
David Farnor | On 27, Nov 2020
Noel Clarke and Ashley Walters are heading to South Africa for their new three-part Bulletproof special.
After two hugely successful seasons, the Sky One cop drama will return for a special third outing, with Clarke and Walters reprising their roles as Pike and Bishop It sees the boys take a much-needed vacation from their London day job and head to Cape Town, South Africa. Unfortunately, things don’t quite go to plan.
While trying to relax after a tough year, Bishop, Pike and his family soon find themselves caught up in the frightening kidnap of a young girl. Having befriended the young girl’s parents earlier that day, Bishop and Pike decide it’s their duty to use their expertise to help the couple win their daughter back. The kidnappers demand an unreasonable reward for the safe return of the girl, but have no idea who they’re now up against.
Paul Gilbert, Executive Producer for Sky, said: “We’re really excited to see TV’s favourite cop duo back in action, but transported from the mean streets of London to one of the most beautiful coastlines on the planet. Played brilliantly by Noel and Ashley, Bishop and Pike will offer a New Year thrill ride to die-hard fans of the show and new viewers alike, as they navigate their way through an unfamiliar world to seek justice in their inimitable style.”
Allan Niblo, co-founder of Vertigo Films, said: “I’m thrilled to have Bishop and Pike burst onto our TV screens with a ray of sunshine to brighten up any dull January. Expect carnage, mayhem and comradery as they take on formidable new enemies.”
Bulletproof: South Africa will air on Sky One and NOW on Wednesday 20th January 2021.
Sky One orders Bulletproof three-part special and game
7th December 2019
Sky One has officially ordered a new three-part special for Bulletproof, as well as a tie-in game.
Starring Noel Clarke and Ashley Walters as cop-buddy duo Bishop and Pike, the show’s combination of edge-of-your-seat pursuits and brotherly banter was enough to make Season 1 of the series a hit: the first episode had a cumulative average audience of 1.59 million viewers back in May 2018, the biggest Sky One audience of the year at the time.
Sky swiftly ordered a second season, which will air in spring 2020. Before that has even been broadcast, though, Sky One has announced that a further three-part special has also been ordered.
Bulletproof Season 2 sees Bishop and Pike going undercover to infiltrate an international crime empire. Their chase for justice will take them from the streets of London to Amsterdam and Cyprus, where they will have to risk everything, including their police badges, to succeed.
Then, fans can gear up for the Bulletproof special, which will see Noel and Ashley travelling across the world to sunnier climes in South Africa, where we will see more action, more car chases and a journey into the underworld of Cape Town.
The Bulletproof Interrogation Game, meanwhile, promises to put players at the heart of the drama drama, as they become an active participant in a crime story, taking direction from the cop duo. During the interactive experience, they can help Pike and Bishop prevent a series of murders. The serial killer has lined up three potential victims and what players say will affect who is spared and who is not.
Players will also take part by speaking – with their voice – to the suspect and to characters from the show who provide direction and support in the interrogation.
Cameron Roach, Director of Drama, Sky Studios says: “We are thrilled to be continuing to grow the Bulletproof franchise , with our special airing hot off the heels of Series 2, and our new Interrogation Game bringing the show’s brand to life.”
Guy Gadney, CEO for Charisma.ai, adds” “Charisma.ai powers a new form of interactive storytelling that reaches new audiences, allowing them to play a part in the narrative and meet the characters they are passionate about, We are very excited to be working with Sky and Vertigo to set the new standard in this style of interactive storytelling.”
The Bulletproof three part special is a Sky Studios and Vertigo Films production. The show was commissioned by Zai Bennett, Managing Director of Content, Sky UK and Ireland, and Cameron Roach, Director of Drama, Sky Studios. Executive Producers are Paul Gilbert for Sky, Allan Niblo for Vertigo Films, Nick Love, Noel Clarke and Ashley Walters.
Sky renews Bulletproof following record first season
21st June 2018
Sky One has ordered a second season of Bulletproof, following a record first run.
Starring Noel Clarke and Ashley Walters as cop-buddy duo Bishop and Pike, the series’ combination of edge-of-your-seat pursuits and brotherly banter was enough to draw audiences to the six-part thriller. Blasting onto screens in May, the first episode had a cumulative average audience of 1.59 million viewers, making it the biggest Sky One audience of the year.
Noel Clarke says: “This is a culturally significant and ground-breaking show in many ways, and we appreciate the record views and support along the way. We made this show for people we feel are underrepresented so they could be entertained, which they were, and they came out in droves to watch. Thank you to all who tuned in and see you for series two.”
Ashley Walters adds: “The audience response to the show has been overwhelming. I’m looking forward to working with the rest of the Bulletproof team on series two – we’ve got some exciting storylines lined up. The action and drama is about to step up to the next level!”
Produced by Vertigo Films, the blockbuster drama was written and created by Clarke, Walters and Nick Love (The Football Factory). It follows recent successful Sky original productions such as Save Me, Britannia, Tin Star and Riviera, as Sky places a focus on creating high quality British drama.
Anne Mensah, Head of Drama at Sky, comments: “The combination of heart-pumping car chases and emotionally charged storylines made Bulletproof’s first series a must-watch for our viewers. We’re excited to be working with Noel and Ashley to bring back Britain’s new favourite cop-buddy duo for even more action, laughs and thrills next series.”
Executive Producer Allan Niblo, Vertigo Films, adds: “With Bulletproof we wanted to give British cop drama a twist, bringing a combination of blockbuster action and warmth and humour to screens. We’re so pleased with the response, and can’t wait to work with Sky to bring back Pike and Bishop for another series.”
All six episodes of the first series of Bulletproof are available to watch on Sky On Demand and NOW.