BROADCHURCH fans- you’re in your final fortnight of waiting.

Fans have been waiting for an announcement on when the hit ITV drama, filmed at West Bay, will return for its third and final series.

Episode 1 has been listed at 9pm on Monday, February 27.

Actor Charlie Higson, one of the new additions to the cast, also tweeted “So it looks like the new series of #broadchurch starts on the 27th. But don’t bother with the 1st ep[isode] as I’m not in it”.

The slot was the one many fans predicted the show would return in, meaning Broadchurch will be back in its Monday night 9pm slot.

The new series will see DI Alex Hardy, played by David Tennant, and DS Ellie Miller, played by Olivia Colman, called to investigate a serious sexual assault.

New additions to the cast include Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh, Charlie Higson and Sir Lenny Henry.

Also returning to the cast is Jodie Whittaker and Andrew Buchan, as Beth and Mark Latimer and Arthur Darvill as local Vicar Paul Coates.

Carolyn Pickles will be back as newspaper editor Maggie Radcliffe and Adam Wilson will reprise his role as Ellie’s son Tom.

Cast and crew were in the area in the summer, filming at West Bay as well as Washingpool Farm and other locations.

One particular night of shooting saw hundreds of people descend on West Bay and hold up lights in what looks set to be a spectacular sequence.

ITV had previously announced that the new series would come out in February but fans were left waiting for an official start date.

Now fans have the date for their diaries and know that they have eight more final episodes to look forward to and enjoy.

Earlier this month, cast and crew spoke about the finale, with Tennant promising a satisfying finale to the much-loved show.

The Shores sexual assault referral centre and Dorset Rape Crisis supported and advised creator Chris Chibnall throughout the writing of the final series.

The trailer for the series finale shows DS Miller approach the victim of a serious sexual assault, with Hardy revealing he is worried that the attacker might strike again.

It also shows that the attack took place at a party and that there is a long list of suspects.

Following the finale, Chibnall, from west Dorset, will become the new showrunner for Doctor Who.