Ludwig fans were thrilled as the BBC unveiled a first glimpse at its eagerly anticipated new series.

The detective comedy, featuring David Mitchell and Anna Maxwell Martin, proved a resounding success when its debut series aired in 2024, with audiences hailing it as "perfect TV".

It is due to return for a second series later this year and reports also suggest a third instalment may already be in the works, reports the Mirror.

Posting images from the forthcoming episodes on Instagram, the broadcaster teased: "Ready for Ludwig Series 2? Here's your first look at David Mitchell, Anna Maxwell Martin and the crew. Mark Bonnar and Sian Clifford are among the new faces joining the cast for the second series, coming to #iPlayer."

In the first series, David portrayed reclusive puzzle maker John Taylor, who masquerades as his twin James, an accomplished detective chief inspector in Cambridge, following James's mysterious disappearance. He subsequently infiltrates the police station to investigate his brother's disappearance, but finds himself drawn into other cases along the way.

According to an official synopsis, the second series will find John now working as a Crime Scene Consultant, collaborating with DCI Russell Carter (Dipo Ola), on "impossible" crimes for the Cambridge Police Authority.

James remains missing, and now that he holds an official position at the station, John is prohibited from utilising any police resources to search for his brother or uncover precisely what he had been investigating.

"Of course, John won't stop and neither will Lucy (Anna Maxwell Martin), John's sister-in-law and wife of his missing brother James - a puzzle needs solving and a husband and father needs bringing home," the synopsis continued. "One masquerade may have ended, but a new one has just begun."

Fans of the series were delighted at the news, with one proclaiming on Instagram: "Hells yes."

"Amazing news," said another, as someone else posted: "Loved the first series. So good. Can't wait to see what the new series will bring."

"Fantastic show so glad it's back," said another, as one fan commented: "Dreamy teamy." Someone else remarked: "Oh so so so SO good." "Can't wait for this," added another fan."

Others remarked upon the "impressive" line-up, which features newcomers Mark Bonnar, portraying newspaper editor Gareth Fisher, and Sian Clifford as local MP Joanne Kemper.

"The STAR POWER of it all," said one, as another chimed in: "Cannot wait for this!! Great line-up."

Ludwig will air later this year on BBC iPlayer and BBC One.