Blue Lights co-creators confirm exit from BBC police drama after season 4 as show's future in talks

Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson have ended their shift with the hit show.

Martin McCann as Stevie Neil and Siân Brooke as Grace Ellis in Blue Lights, wearing police uniforms, stood in a store room and looking at the camera.

BBC/Two Cities Television

Published: Wednesday, 4 November 2026 at 11:02 am

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After the fourth season of hit police drama Blue Lights came to an end on BBC One last night, it has been confirmed that the show's co-creators are stepping away from their role on the programme.

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Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson created the drama alongside executive producers Stephen Wright and Louise Gallagher back in 2023. The duo have written on every season since then. Seasons 3 and 4 were confirmed as a dual renewal in 2024, meaning the storyline across the two runs was planned together.

Lawn revealed his departure in an Instagram post on Tuesday 3 November, saying: "As Helen says in tonight’s finale: 'In life change is inevitable. But there’s the kind we make and the kind we endure. And I like to think that between these walls we made more than we endured.'

"It has been a massive privilege to tell these stories, many of them drawn from real life people who shared their experiences with us. Thanks to them, to everyone who made the show, and to everyone who watched and supported Blue Lights over the last four years. End of shift!"

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In a statement now shared with Radio Times, Lawn and Patterson have confirmed their departure from the series, saying: "We’ve decided to step away from Blue Lights to focus on other projects including our next BBC show D-Notice. Writing Blue Lights has been our greatest privilege, and it has changed our lives.

"We would like to thank everyone - the BBC, our co-creators Stephen Wright at Two Cities and Louise Gallagher at Gallagher Films, our incredible cast and crew - who have made writing Blue Lights such a special experience for us. Sharp eyes save lives."

Patterson and Lawn's series D-Notice was first revealed to be in the works back in February, with it being described as "a surprising drama that looks at how truth and power speak to one another".

The series is said to take a look at the titular mechanism, the D-notice, which allows the government to advise journalists about national security.

Katherine Devlin as Annie Conlon, Nathan Braniff as Tommy Foster and Siân Brooke as Grace Ellis in Blue Lights, stood against a dark blue backdrop, looking dishevelled and wearing police uniforms.

Katherine Devlin as Annie Conlon, Nathan Braniff as Tommy Foster and Siân Brooke as Grace Ellis in Blue Lights. BBC/Two Cities Television

Now, thoughts of course turn to the future of Blue Lights, and whether a fifth season could be in the offing without Lawn and Patterson. A BBC spokesperson has said in a statement that talks are ongoing with producers Two Cities Television and Gallagher Films regarding the show's future.

The spokesperson said: "Following co-creators and writers Declan and Adam’s decision, we would like to thank them for four series of the multi award-winning drama which have captivated viewers from across the UK. We are taking a beat and talking to the producers about what’s next for Blue Lights."

Meanwhile, co-creators and executive producers Wright and Gallagher, said: "We wish Declan and Adam every success for the future and thank them for their dedication and commitment to the series over the last four years. We are talking to the BBC about what’s next for Blue Lights."

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Blue Lights season 4 ended with change in the air, as Blackthorn was closed and the team made plans for their future at new stations.

Meanwhile, Siân Brooke's Grace was seen becoming a detective and got engaged to Martin McCann's Stevie.

Blue Lights seasons 1-4 are available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.

Add Blue Lights to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of James Hibbs, smiling against a lime green background.

James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

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