Channel Seven has announced it will be the new home for the ABC’s hit Aussie drama, The Doctor Blake Mysteries, in 2018.

The return of the hit series will see stars Craig McLachlan (Blake) and Nadine Garner (Jean) back on Seven’s screens, as well as other familiar faces and some new players.

Julie McGauran, Seven’s head of drama, said: “The Doctor Blake Mysteries is not only the number one Australian drama, it has one of the most adoring fan bases a show could wish for. With the passionate vision of Team Blake, the extraordinary cast led by Craig McLachlan and Nadine Garner, and the commitment from the Blake Army, we feel this series is a perfect fit for Channel Seven.”

George Adams, series co-creator and showrunner, said: “We are all beyond excited to call Channel Seven the home of Blake and we cannot wait to open this exciting new chapter in the extraordinary journey that has been and still is The Doctor Blake Mysteries. This is a sweet reward for our loyal Blake Army, and it will be a pleasure to continue the success of Blake with Seven who have already encouraged us to new heights in our storytelling.”

Tony Wright, series co-creator and creative director at December Media, said: “It is a testament to everyone who has been involved in making The Doctor Blake Mysteries the success it is that it has found a new home at Seven.”

Craig McLachlan added: “The people have spoken and the good folk at Seven were listening. Their enthusiasm for the show has been amazing. And the support we’ve received from the Blake Army has been genuinely overwhelming. Our ever-loyal audience continues to demonstrate their love for their favourite Aussie drama by tuning in each week in jaw-dropping numbers. To them, on behalf of the entire ‘Blake team’ I say thank you.”

In 2018, the series will pick up in 1963 as Australia sits on the cusp of a brave new world… a world awash with murder, mystery and mayhem. JFK has just been assassinated and the universe may never be the same again. Blake and Jean face greater challenges than they could ever have imagined. Haunted houses, flying saucers, deadly dentists, long-lost daughters and much, much more. They’re challenges the two of them will face together. Buckle up – it’s going to be a hell of ride!