BBC comedy Bluestone 42, about a bomb disposal unit in Afghanistan, has been recommissioned for a second series despite its controversial subject matter.
The series created a storm even before it was aired on BBC3, with one MP asking if it was "in the best of taste". Despite the negative attention, the first series, which ends tonight, attracted around two million viewers.
BBC3 Controller Zai Bennett said: "I'm incredibly proud of this bold, brave and hugely funny comedy drama series which has been enjoying big audiences on BBC3.
"The cast, crew and writers have played an absolute blinder in this important series which completes and complements BBC3's already extensive coverage of the war in Afghanistan."
Bluestone 42 was penned by Richard Hurst and James Cary, who co-wrote hit sitcom Miranda, and stars Green Wing actor Oliver Chris and Hustle actress Kelly Adams.
Conservative MP Patrick Mercer, a former Army colonel, said: "I wonder if a comedy based in Afghanistan, considering the war is ongoing, is in the best of taste."
But former Captain Liam Fitzgerald-Finch, who acted as one of the military advisers to the production and has disposed devices in Iraq and Afghanistan, recently defended the comedy, saying: "Bomb disposal is something the public has had almost zero exposure to, so I thought it was a good medium for a comedy.
But former Captain Liam Fitzgerald-Finch, who acted as one of the military advisers to the production and has disposed devices in Iraq and Afghanistan, recently defended the comedy, saying: "Bomb disposal is something the public has had almost zero exposure to, so I thought it was a good medium for a comedy.
