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BBC viewers are begging for a second series of crime drama Rebus just days after series one premiered.

The Beeb has launched the latest screen adaptation based on Sir Ian Rankin’s Inspector Rebus novels, with the episodes dropping on May 17.

Rebus, the latest adaptation of Sir Ian Rankin's Inspector Rebus novels, launched on May 17
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Rebus, the latest adaptation of Sir Ian Rankin's Inspector Rebus novels, launched on May 17Credit: PA
Outlander star Richard Rankin stars as the title character
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Outlander star Richard Rankin stars as the title characterCredit: BBC
Fans who have binge-watched the crime drama are already begging for more episodes
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Fans who have binge-watched the crime drama are already begging for more episodesCredit: BBC

Outlander star Richard Rankin, 41, is the latest actor to play Rebus, following in the footsteps of John Hannah and Ken Stott among others.

The show frames the lead character, John Rebus, as a younger Detective Sergeant who is led into a life of violence and criminality.

It comes as Rebus’ brother Michael (Brian Ferguson), an ex-soldier, ends up on the wrong side of the law.

The cast also includes the likes of Lucie Shorthouse, Amy Manson, Neshla Caplan, Noof Ousellam, Stuart Bowman, Caroline Lee Johnson and Sean Buchanan.

After rattling through the six-part series one, fans have been left desperate for more episodes of the ‘seriously good’ crime drama.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), one enthusiastic viewer wrote: "I've been a fan of all Ian Rankin's works for decades, so was a tad worried about this new adaptation. It's pure brilliance, binged watched and cannae wait for next season. #Rebus."

Another added: "I’ve just binged the first three episodes of #Rebus and it’s seriously good.”

A third commented: “Richard Rankin is terrific in the lead role, but there are strong female characters, references to 'Jambos' and John Knox and, brooding over it all, Edinburgh at its Jekyll-and-Hyde best and worst!"

A fourth piped up: "Binged the series. Loved the books, this series is brilliant. Masterpiece."

A fifth viewer shared: “Binged it! So great. Richard is a perfect Rebus.... please BBC make another season.”

Line of Duty, Bodyguard and Vigil stars team up for gritty new BBC crime drama Rebus in first look pics

Another said: "Wonderful series, great work from all involved. So many touchstones for fans of the books, whilst still being accessible to everyone."

Meanwhile, Rebus author Sir Ian Rankin also took to social media to thank the show’s supporters.

He wrote: “Thanks to everyone for your comments on the new Rebus series. Some of you have imbibed the whole thing already and are asking about a season two - out of my hands but very much in those of @BBC!”

Rebus is currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

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