Channel 4’s Hackney-based gangland drama Top Boy - which was banned from being filmed on council property - has been re-commissioned for a second series.

Ronan Bennett’s four-part story, which captures the sordid world behind stabbing and shooting headlines, attracted nearly two million viewers when it aired earlier this month.

Top Boy hit the headlines itself after Hackney Mayor Jules Pipe vetoed filming on council estates and schools, saying it would have a “detrimental” effect on the area’s reputation.

He vindicated his decision this week in The Gazette, which comes out tomorrow.

The second series of Top Boy will be screened roughly the same time next year.

“It’s all hands to the pump,” said Ronan, who lives near Victoria Park.

“We are thinking of story lines and seeing which actors are free.

“Most of the cast will want to come back, so now it’s up to me to come up with the goods.”