THE release date of the second series of ITV drama Grace has been announced.

Grace, an adaption of Sussex author Peter James’s international bestselling books, was one of ITV’s most successful dramas with more than eight million people tuning in to watch the first series.

In a post on social media, Peter revealed the second series of the hit show will return to ITV on Sunday, April 24, at 8pm.

“With four episodes, buckle up, it's going to be one hell of a ride,” he said.

ITV also shared a one-minute teaser of the new series, which features John Simm as Brighton-based Detective Superintendent Roy Grace.

Alongside the lead actor, the show co-stars Richie Campbell as detective sergeant Glenn Branson and Rakie Ayola as Assistant Chief Constable Vosper.

In an interview on The Argus Podcast, Peter revealed that the Duchess of Cornwall offered to play a dead body in an episode of the show during a visit to set in Shoreham.

Peter said he pitched the idea to Camilla after discovering she had selected several his books for her book club.

“I jokingly said would you like a cameo in the next series,” he said. “And she said, ‘yes, maybe I could be a dead body’.

“I think she might do something. I’m definitely going to drop her a note and say the offer is open.”

Peter also revealed that he and his wife Lara also make cameo appearances in the second series of Grace.

“Without any spoilers, my wife and I play coppers,” he said.

“The first one, she interviews me on television talking about Henry Solomon, the chief constable who was murdered by a burglar back in 1847.

“Then in another, she and I are both standing on the beach where one of the dead bodies washed up.

“You’ll have to look hard, so you don’t miss us – we’re only on camera for about half a minute.”