The series, currently airing on BBC One on Tuesday nights, has been a ratings for the channel, attracting an average consolidated audience of 7.1 million.
Danny Cohen, Controller of BBC One says: “Last Tango in Halifax tops off a fantastic year for new returning drama series on BBC One, making it five hits to celebrate.
“Sally Wainwright’s scripts and the outstanding cast have unearthed an absolute gem that is captivating audiences of all ages on Tuesday nights, making it the biggest mid-week drama launch on any channel in 2012.”
The show also stars Sarah Lancashire, Nicola Walker, Tony Gardner, Dean Andrews and Ronni Ancona.
Sally Wainwright said was “thrilled” by the audience reception to the series.
She added: “People seem to have really engaged with it, and with the wonderful performances of the actors, and I couldn’t be happier about being given the chance to take the story further.”
Executive producer Nicola Shindler commented: “We’re simply delighted! I’ve been overwhelmed by the audiences reaction to Last Tango in Halifax. With such great characters and fantastic scripts there are so many stories still to tell and we can’t wait to get started in series two.”