The excitement is brewing as the BBC has announced the return of the beloved children’s show, The Famous Five, for a second season. With filming already underway, fans of the series are eager to catch a glimpse of what’s in store for Julian, Dick, Anne, George, and their loyal dog, Timmy.
Meet the New Faces
While some familiar faces will be returning for the second season, there are also some new additions to the cast that are sure to bring a fresh perspective to the beloved characters. Joining the original cast members are Maria Pedraza, known for her roles in Money Heist and Elite, as well as Amir Wilson from His Dark Materials. James Wilby from Poldark, Rita Tushingham from A Taste of Honey, Jemima Rooper from Geek Girl, Jonathan Aris from Sherlock, and Jamie Andrew Cutler from The Hurricane Heist are also set to make an appearance.
One notable addition to the cast is Jemima Rooper, who previously starred as George in the 1990s Famous Five TV series. Rooper will be taking on the role of Angela Clutterbuck, a guest staying at a mysterious hotel. The diverse range of talent joining the cast promises to bring new energy and depth to the beloved characters, making the second season an exciting prospect for fans of the show.
A Sneak Peek into the Adventure
The Famous Five is based on Enid Blyton’s iconic stories, following the daring young explorers as they embark on treacherous adventures, solve mysteries, and face danger head-on. In the upcoming season, the fearless heroes will be navigating the challenges of growing up during wartime, with Julian taking on the responsibility of being the older brother and keeping his siblings safe.
George, always eager for adventure, will be seeking out new and exciting challenges against Julian’s advice. Dick will be grappling with his fears as the threat of war looms closer, while Anne’s confidence continues to grow with each passing day. And of course, Timmy the faithful dog will be facing his own struggles as he copes with the dwindling availability of sausages in Kirrin Cottage.
The Return of the Familiar
Returning to reprise their roles are Diaana Babnicova as George, Elliott Rose as Julian, Kit Rakusen as Dick, and Flora Jacoby Richardson as Anne. Joining them is Kip, the Bearded Collie Cross who plays Timmy the dog, adding a touch of authenticity to the beloved character.
Additionally, Jack Gleeson, James Lance, and Ann Akinjirin will be returning to the cast, bringing their talent and experience to the new season. James Lance expressed his excitement about reprising his role as Uncle Quentin, highlighting the magical adventures and camaraderie among the cast and crew.
The Vision Behind the Show
Creator and executive producer Nicolas Winding Refn shared his enthusiasm for the return of The Famous Five, reflecting on the joy of bringing his childhood fantasies to life through the characters and storylines. He emphasized the evolution and growth of the characters, promising an inspiring and delightful second season that will captivate audiences of all ages.
Director of BBC Children’s and Education, Patricia Hidalgo, echoed the sentiment of bringing families together through timeless British stories. She emphasized the importance of homegrown content that resonates across generations and cultures, highlighting the universal appeal of The Famous Five and its ability to spark imagination and curiosity in young viewers.
With the first season of The Famous Five already available on BBC iPlayer, fans can catch up on the adventures of Julian, Dick, Anne, George, and Timmy before diving into the new season. The return of the beloved characters and the addition of new faces promise an exciting and engaging continuation of the iconic children’s series.
