Top left to right: Lorraine Ashbourne (Image: Pip Bourdillon), Kirby Howell-Baptiste (Image: Larry Fields), Rosalie Craig (Image: Kenneth Lam), Joe Dempsie (Image: Eric Frideen), Lindsay Duncan, Robert Glenister. Bottom left to right: Sue Johnston, Robert Lindsay (Image: Michael Shelford), Leslie Manville (Image: Zoltan Tomboy), David Morrissey, Claire Rushbrook, Peter Wight. Images provided by BBC.
BBC drama ‘Sherwood’ is officially back in production, with filming now underway on a third series of James Graham’s critically acclaimed Nottinghamshire-set thriller for BBC iPlayer and BBC One. Alongside the start of filming comes confirmation of a sizeable cast shake-up, blending some major new arrivals with a strong line-up of returning faces from earlier seasons.
Joining the cast for Series 3 are Rosalie Craig (Riot Women, The Hack), Joe Dempsie (Get Millie Black, Toxic Town), Kirby Howell-Baptiste (The Sandman, Sugar), Sue Johnston (True Love, The Royle Family) and Peter Wight (Another Year, A Confession). They are joined by Ben Batt and Adam Long, while familiar faces including David Morrissey (The Walking Dead), Lorraine Ashbourne (Brassic), Lesley Manville (The Crown), Claire Rushbrook (Ali & Ava), Robert Lindsay (My Family), Lindsay Duncan (Birdman) and Robert Glenister (Hustle) all return.
Set six months after the explosive events of Series 2, the new run shifts focus to a new family at the heart of the community. The Wood family appear to embody working-class respectability in Ashfield, deeply rooted in local life and civic pride. Zoe Wood, played by Craig, is a passionate campaigner for the town, while her husband Alex, portrayed by Dempsie, oversees construction of the new Gotham housing estate on the edge of Sherwood Forest. Living alongside them are Zoe’s parents, Irene and Eric Bostall, played by Johnston and Wight, who become increasingly central to the unfolding mystery.
Running parallel to this is a major investigation led by DI Zara Gill, played by Howell-Baptiste, into the human remains discovered in the reservoir following Ann Branson’s death. While initially tied to historic criminal activity linked to the Branson family, one discovery unexpectedly draws the investigation back towards the Bostalls. When the body of Arthur Bostall is unearthed from Nottingham’s ancient caves, decades after his disappearance, buried secrets begin to surface with consequences that ripple through both family and community.
James Graham said: “The joy of Sherwood for me is introducing brand new characters with exciting original stories each and every series, sitting alongside existing characters and actors I’ve grown to love. The new Wood family, despite their down-to-earth humour and charm, are going to be put through the most intense experience we’ve created yet – a normal family, in the most extraordinary situation which we hope will have audiences asking ¬‘what would I do?’ And we’ll be returning to other strands too – including Daphne Sparrow (Ashbourne) and her long-kept secret past…”
Executive producer Juliette Howell added: “James Graham has once again crafted something truly special with this series, combining gripping storytelling with profound emotional truth in a family mystery that will have audiences hooked from the first frame. The Woods are a family you will be desperate to protect even as you question everything about them and their actions. James continues to prove himself as one of British drama’s most vital voices, asking urgent questions about community, loyalty and justice that resonate far beyond Nottinghamshire.”
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said: “Across two series Sherwood resonated with millions of BBC viewers and I’m thrilled that it’s back with such a stellar cast for this third chapter. James Graham’s scripts are as gripping and unpredictable as ever, with some fantastically knotty new characters to enjoy. I can’t wait for people to see what’s in store.”
The series is once again produced by House Productions, part of BBC Studios. Clio Barnard returns as lead director and executive producer, with Jack Casey also directing. Kath Mattock produces, and BBC Studios will handle global sales.
‘Sherwood’ does not yet have a premiere date but will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK. If you want to keep track of this or any other shows, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date. Visit Never Miss.
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