THE wait is nearly over– Dorset's most famous show is back next month.

And fans got a long–awaited glimpse at what the new series holds, with the launch of a new teaser trailer. 

The 20–second clip doesn't give much away, but it's done it's job in making us want more. 

The words 'Here we suffered grief and pain, here we meet to part again' come in to view across a scene shot of the West Bay cliffs, before the screen fades to darkness and the words 'This February' appear.

People took to social media to air their excitement after the trailer featured during Coronation Street's ad break on New Year's Day. 

One fan said: 'Finding out #Broadchurch will be back in February has already made my 2017.'

Another said: 'Broadchurch season 3 is coming out in February, can't wait.'

As reported in the Echo, this will be the final series of the hit show, which has made the West Bay cliffs an iconic sight to viewers across the world.  West Dorset-based writer Chris Chibnall says it will be a 'compelling and emotional farewell.'

This series promises to be the best yet, with a star-studded line up including Sir Lenny Henry, Sarah Parish, Georgina Campbell and Julie Hesmondhalgh.  And, of course, show stalwarts David Tennant and Olivia Colman will be reprising their roles as detectives Alec Hardy and Ellie Miller. 

This time around they are investigating a serious sexual assault; the research for which was carried out with the help of Dorset Police. 

Also returning to the show are Jodie Whittaker and Andrew Buchan as Beth and Mark Latimer, Arthur Darvill as local Vicar Paul Coates, Carolyn Pickles as newspaper editor Maggie Radcliffe, Charlotte Beaumont as Mark and Beth’s daughter Chloe, and Adam Wilson as Ellie’s son Tom.

Talking ahead of the new series, actor Arthur Darvill, who will be reprising his role as Paul Coates, said: "I loved the second series of Broadchurch - but I think this series has more of the feel of the first series."