ACCRINGTON actress Julie Hesmondhalgh is joining the cast of hit gritty police drama Happy Valley for the show's second series.

The former Coronation Street star was offered the job by the BBC One show creator Sally Wainwright.

The drama is based around police sergeant Catherine Cawood coming to terms with her daughters suicide.

Played by Sarah Lancashire, Catherine heads a team of police officers in The Calder Valley in West Yorkshire, with filming sometimes creeping in to Todmorden.

Speaking recently to the BBC about her character, Julie, said: "Amanda Wadsworth is said to have plenty of drama.

"Amanda isn't a massive part in series two, but is a working mother, a midwife, with no small amount of spirit, a difficult marriage and some secrets of her own."

"[Co-star] Kevin Doyle and I had some fantastic rows and we had a lot of fun with those.

"It all came quite easily, I'm afraid to say."

Julie has been a fan of the series herself but some claims were made by viewers about the violence faced by the female characters.

The actress best known for her portrayal as Hayley Cropper, said it was something she admits was unnerving but important.

She added: "The moment where the young police woman was murdered had a massive effect on me.

"I'm someone who watches a lot of Scandi noir, so I'm quite tough as a viewer and it stayed with me for a long time.

"I know some people had an issue with the violence, but I didn't find it gratuitous.

"It's important for these things to be unglossy and that they emotionally affect us, the opposite of a sort of James Bond telling of violence and death."

The first series began with Catherine uncovering the death of her daughter, who is believed to have been raped, and finding the man who she believes is responsible for her death.

Actress Mina Anwar from Church has also starred in the first series as a teacher.

Sally Wainwright, writer and executive producer, said: "We were delighted and overwhelmed with the viewers’ response to series one and it’s clear that there’s a huge appetite to see more of the characters and drama among the TV-viewing public.

"I am thrilled to be embarking on a second series."

The show's 2014 debut won Best Drama Series at the BAFTA Television Awards, and picked up a further two nominations.

The series will debut at 9pm on BBC One, Tuesday February 9.