BBC Two Announce Second Series Of American Crime Story

BBC Two has acquired the second instalment of anthology series American Crime Story.

The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story - the follow-up to the Bafta-winning The People Vs O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, which aired on BBC Two last year - will be shown by the channel in 2018. The series was acquired from 20th Century Fox Television Distribution.

The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story follows the events surrounding the death of the legendary fashion designer in the summer of 1997.

Its cast includes Edgar Ramirez as Gianni Versace (pictured below), Penelope Cruz as Donatella Versace (above), Darren Criss as serial killer Andrew Cunanan, and Ricky Martin as Versace's longtime partner Antonio D'Amico.

The series was written by Tom Rob Smith, whose series London Spy aired on BBC Two in 2015, and the premiere episode of the series is directed by Ryan Murphy. It is Executive Produced by Ryan Murphy, Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, Brad Falchuk and Tom Rob Smith.

Patrick Holland, Controller of BBC Two, said: "I am thrilled that another season of American Crime Story is coming to BBC Two. Ryan Murphy and his team created something truly special with The People vs O.J Simpson, winning a much merited Bafta amongst a host of other awards. With British writer Tom Rob Smith, one of the most exciting talents in television drama, across season two, The Assassination of Gianni Versace promises to be captivating viewing."

Sue Deeks, Head of BBC Programme Acquisition, said: "With The People v. O.J. Simpson, the brilliant Ryan Murphy and his team crafted a unique and utterly compelling television event which managed to get the nation talking once more about one of the biggest cases in history. It is with great anticipation that we welcome the next instalment of the American Crime Story franchise."

"We couldn't be more delighted that American Crime Story will continue on BBC Two, the next instalment of the anthology is sure to delight and captivate audiences in 2018," added David Smyth, Senior Vice President, Sales and Development EMEA and Managing Director, UK, Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution.

The American Crime Story franchise is produced by Fox 21 Television Studios and FX Productions, and is distributed by 20th Century Fox Television Distribution.