Way back in May we brought you news that the second series of Jimmy McGovern's stand-out TV drama series The Street was shooting. Now the first episode is only two weeks away. Yes, the new six-part series will start broadcasting in the first week of November (final date to be announced) with an episode starring David Thewlis in his first television role for over ten years.

Last year's version of The Street made number 10 in our Best TV Moments of the year top 50, and a quick read through of what's in store for us this time round suggests it may even achieve a higher place this year. Click through for a brief look at each of the six episodes to come.

Episode 1: (starring David Thewlis and Bronagh Gallagher)
Thewlis plays identical twin brothers Joe and Harry, one single and footloose, the other feeling trapped in the traditional role of father and husband with a wife he believes no longer loves him. When Harry chokes on a sweet, Joe immediately sees a way out of his prison and makes a snap decision that could cost him everything.

Episode 2: (starring Timothy Spall and Ger Ryan)
Timothy Spall reprises his role of Eddie the cab driver from Series 1, who this time round meets up with an old flame, Pat. In a desperate attempt to impress her, Eddie buys a set of signed snooker balls at a charity auction using money he doesn't have, and then wakes up to find himself without a job having failed a breathalyser.

Episode 3: (starring Vincent Regan, Julia Ford and Will Mellor)
Mellor plays laddish builder Tom, who has never been able to admit being gay, especially in the exclusively "blokey" social and work scenes he inhabits. Although essentially comfortable with himself, after a passionate fling with a married workmate he has to handle the fallout as Charlie tries to come to terms with what's happened.

Episode 4: (starring Lorraine Ashbourne and Gina McKee)
Gina plays Jan, who has always been very close to her sister and neighbour Cath until the day their sons are involved in a serious incident. Blind to her son's faults and always wanting to ensure he gets the best chances, Jan attempts to cover for him, even though this means letting his cousin take the fall. Can the sisters' relationship survive the ensuing conflict?

Episode 5: (starring Mark Benton, Claire Hackett and Dean Andrews)
As Wayne, Mark Benton is a postman whose life has imploded. His wife has left him, taking their two sons and the dog with her, his dodgy back is deteriorating which makes his postal round harder by the day, he is flat-broke, and tempted by a life of crime. Just when he thinks things can't get any worse, he meets and befriends Damien, an illiterate 15-year-old truant. When other people begin to misinterpret their friendship, Wayne's life spirals completely out of control.

Episode 6: (starring Toby Kebbell, Jodhi May and Robyn Addison)
Paul (Kebbell) has recently been released from prison after serving a sentence for a heinous crime he committed as a minor and is now trying to make his way in the world by working as a gardener. In the course of his job, he comes face-to-face with Jean (May), the mother of the victim of his childhood offence.