The BBC has ordered two more 90-minute episodes of their adaptation of Enid Blyton’s iconic ‘The Famous Five‘, with all the core cast returning alongside some new faces.
‘The Famous Five’ follows the daring young explorers as they encounter treacherous, action-packed adventures, remarkable mysteries, unparalleled danger and astounding secrets. Series two takes our heroes into strange and challenging waters as they face life during wartime – and the hazards of growing up.
Filming has begun on the brand-new episodes, created for television and executive produced by Nicolas Winding Refn (byNWR) & Matthew Read (Moonage Pictures), and follows on from the highly successful first series which aired on the BBC. The premiere, “The Curse of Kirrin Island”, was CBBC’s number-one-rated episode in 2023.
Diaana Babnicova returns as George, alongside Elliott Rose as Julian, Kit Rakusen as Dick and Flora Jacoby Richardson as Anne. Making up the fifth member of The Famous Five and the gang’s faithful furry friend, is Kip, the Bearded Collie Cross playing Timmy the dog.
With Jack Gleeson, James Lance, Ann Akinjirin also reprising their roles, they are joined by new cast members, including Spanish actress Maria Pedraza (Money Heist, Elite), Amir Wilson (His Dark Materials), James Wilby (Poldark), Rita Tushingham (A Taste of Honey), Jemima Rooper (Geek Girl), Jonathan Aris (Sherlock) and Jamie Andrew Cutler (The Hurricane Heist). Rooper starred as George in the 1990s Famous Five TV series and now takes on the role of Angela Clutterbuck, a guest staying at a mysterious hotel.
“’I am delighted to be back playing Uncle Quentin in The Famous Five,” said returning castmember James Lance. “This series is a gem. It is a privilege to be working with our wonderful cast with the sweetest co-star, dear Kip who plays Timmy the dog as we follow him on these magical adventures.”
The new series sees our fearless young heroes encounter a host of new problems. Julian is under strict instructions to be a responsible older brother and keep his siblings safe whilst George is committed to seeking out the best and biggest adventures against Julian’s advice.
Dick is trying to be brave as the threat of war gets closer, and Anne’s formidable self-assurance is growing by the day. And Timmy? Timmy is deeply perturbed by the dwindling availability of sausages in Kirrin Cottage.
“The glorious first series of The Famous Five brought families together to enjoy these timeless British stories which are so loved around the world,” said Patricia Hidalgo, Director BBC Children’s and Education. “Homegrown stories, that resonate across generations and across frontiers, are a key part of our strategy and it’s such a joy to see the return of the young adventurers as they take on daring new mysteries.”
The series was commissioned by Sarah Muller, Senior Head of BBC Children’s Commissioning 7+ and the commissioning editor for the BBC is Amy Buscombe. Laura Fdez. Espeso will be an Executive Producer for The Mediapro Studio and Karen Lawler is the Executive Producer for Hachette.
Episode one, “Mystery at the Prospect Hotel”, will be directed by Asim Abbasi, and Tom Vaughn will direct episode two, “Big Trouble on Billycock Hill”. It is produced by Moonage Pictures and byNWR Originals for the BBC and The Mediapro Studio. BBC Studios, who have a minority stake in Moonage, are distributing the series internationally outside Spain, Portugal and Latin America, where they have architected a deal with The Mediapro Studio Distribution. Executive Producers are Nicolas Winding Refn, Matthew Read, Will Gould, Frith Tiplady, Asim Abbasi, Tom Vaughn and Laura Fdez. Espeso. The series is produced by Sophie MacClancy and Big Trouble on Billycock Hill’is produced by Matthew Wilson.
‘The Famous Five‘ can be found on BBC iPlayer. If you want to keep track of this or any other show, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date.
