[Kerry]

Though next year

I love that show

Big Fat Gypsy Weddings is to return for a second series on Channel 4.

The BAFTA-nominated show, which picked up record-breaking viewing figures of over 8 million earlier this year, will have six new episodes airing in 2012.

The second series will look more closely at issues such as work and money, the family, health, prejudice, education and life on the road for gypsy and traveller communities.

Dressmaker Thelma Madine and traveller Paddy Doherty will return to the Firecracker Films show, but there will also be a new selection of gypsy families followed by the production team.

"Big Fat Gypsy Weddings was a phenomenon," said Channel 4 factual entertainment commissioning editor Tina Flintoff. "It would have been very easy for us to just commission more of the same but we wanted to enhance the series by adding more journalism and offering an even deeper insight into the gypsy and traveller way of life without losing what makes the show accessible - the weddings, christenings and spectacular celebrations."

Executive producer Jes Wilkins added: "We are excited about the creative challenge of how to follow up such a successful series. We are extremely grateful to all the gypsies and travellers who have opened up their lives to us over the last two years and we look forward to cultivating more relationships going forward."

DS