Fans of Liar will have to wait until the winter to find out what became of rapist Andrew Earlham, KentOnline can reveal.

ITV has confirmed the second series of the drama, parts of which were filmed in Deal and Kingsdown, will not air until 2020.

Writers Harry and Jack Williams had previously stated it would go out in the autumn.

Actress Joanne Froggatt who plays rape victim Laura Nielson had also teased via an Instagram post that it would be in 2019.

But Patrick Smith from ITV has told KentOnline: "We are working towards a 2020 transmission.

"The schedule isn't confirmed yet for next year but I can assure you that it won't be transmitting between now and the end of the year."

A second series of what was ITV's highest rated new drama of 2017 was teased immediately after the final episode of the first series in October of that year.

Millions of viewers became gripped by the fall out between teacher Laura Nielson and surgeon Andrew Earlham played by Ioan Gruffudd.

The six-part drama ended with the discovery of Andrew Earlham’s criminal past and the closing shot displayed his murdered body laying in the Kent marshes.

Both main actors will return for the second series, which picks up three weeks after an arrest warrant has been was issued for Andrew Earlham for the sexual assault of 19 women.

New addition Detective Renton, played by former Coronation Street star Katherine Kelly, alongside DS Rory Maxwell played by Danny Webb are tasked with uncovering clues about Andrew’s past and unpacking the events of the three crucial weeks leading up to his murder.

Throughout the first series, Deal featured prominently with scenes shot along the town’s pier and in its restaurant, Deal Beach Parlour and the Hope & Lane café in the High Street opposite St George’s Church.

Producers also hired out two homes in the area in Beach Street and Wellington Parade, Kingsdown.

The same can be expected of series two after actresses Katherine Kelly and Joanne Froggatt were spotted filming scenes in Deal in June this year.

Camera crews were also spotted in north Deal in December 2018 and again in Kingsdown - including inside The Zetland Arms pub - in April 2019.

Read more: All the latest news for Deal