re-commissioned for a third series of three two-part episodes, and in June 2013 confirmed the titles of the episodes to be filmed. The series began filming in August 2013, and began airing from February 2014. Lowe reprises her role as DS Cabbot after being absent from the majority of Series 2 due to maternity leave; Catz also reprises her role as DI Morton. Series 3 sees the departure of DS Jackman (Lorraine Burroughs); however Jack Deam returns to the series as DS Blackstone, Nick Sidi reprises his role as CS McLaughlin, and Danny Rahim joins the cast as DC Lang. Series 4 (2015) Filming on the fourth series began in August 2014. For the first time since the series' debut, the fourth series did not feature any changes to the cast. It was also notable for being the first series which consists of entirely unique stories for television, choosing not to adapt any further novels by Robinson. Likewise, it also meant that an entirely new writing team were brought in to script the series, with newcomer Nicholas Hicks-Beach, who first penned scripts for fellow ITV stablemate, Law & Order: UK, being introduced as head writer. Some viewers suggested that it brought a "grittier" feel to the show. Noel Farragher was originally confirmed as the writer for the second story, but was replaced by Nicholas Hicks-Beach for reasons unknown. Series 5 (2016) Filming on the fifth and final series began in February 2016. Samuel Anderson and Shaun Dingwall were announced as newcomers to the cast on 23 February, playing the roles of DC Vince Grady and Chief Superintendent Colin Anderson respectively. For the first time, as well as focusing on three separate cases, the series featured an ongoing story arc across all six episodes, focusing on the ongoing investigation into career criminal Steve Richards (Shaun Dooley) and his wife Tamsin (Maimie McCoy). Chris Murray was originally confirmed as the writer for the first story, but was replaced by Nicholas Hicks-Beach for reasons unknown. Overseas DCI Banks has been shown in many markets around the world. It was broadcast in Saudi Arabia by OSN (Orbit Showtime Network) which had forged an exclusive deal with BBC First HD that would carry the broadcast to the Middle East and North Africa with programming screening 48 hours after their UK premiere. In Denmark, all series aired on DR1 and as one single "full-length" story. In