'Love Child' renewed for second season

Nine's hit new series Love Child has been renewed for a second series just two weeks after its television debut.

Set on a backdrop of social unrest in 1960s Australia, the drama starring Jessica Marais, Jonathan LaPaglia and Mandy McElhinney will return next year with the story kicking off from New Year's Eve 1970.

"I'm really excited to be a part of Love Child," Marais, who plays the powerful leading role of midwife Joan Miller, said.

"I had a great time shooting the first series and I'm looking forward to working with the talented cast and crew on series two."

Nine's heads of Drama, Jo Rooney and Andy Ryan, said in a joint statement they were "delighted" Australia fell in love with Love Child and could not wait to get started on the second season.

"We are delighted with how Australian audiences have fallen in love with Love Child, and we are looking forward to working with Playmaker and this incredible cast in series two."

Production company Playmaker's David Taylor was also eager to get working on the second season, praising the work of the cast and the strong stories they brought to life.

"Dream cast, lots of heart and authored character-driven drama… everyone at Playmaker can't wait to revisit the world of Love Child for a second series," Mr Taylor said.

Pre-production of the smash series which tells the tales of women's and counter culturalists' struggles in the 1960s will soon commence in Sydney.

Author: Nicholas McCallum, Approving editor: Jack Hawke