The BBC has announced that The Famous Five will be making a return with a second series, and fans of the beloved show have been given a first look. Filming for the new season has officially begun, and while some familiar faces are set to reprise their roles, there will also be several exciting new additions to the cast.
What Is The Famous Five About?
The Famous Five is based on Enid Blyton’s iconic stories and follows a group of young explorers as they navigate action-packed adventures, mysteries, and unparalleled danger. The series has captivated audiences with its thrilling and heartwarming tales of Julian, Dick, George, Anne, and their loyal dog, Timmy.
In the second series, the story delves deeper into the challenges of growing up, set against the backdrop of wartime. Julian, tasked with being the responsible older brother, must try to keep his siblings safe, while George continues to seek daring adventures, much to Julian’s dismay. Meanwhile, Dick grapples with his bravery as the threat of war looms, and Anne’s confidence continues to flourish. Timmy, on the other hand, faces his own crisis — the shortage of sausages in Kirrin Cottage!
Returning and New Cast Members
Fans of the first series will be pleased to know that some of the original cast members are returning. Diaana Babnicova reprises her role as George, alongside Elliott Rose as Julian, Kit Rakusen as Dick, and Flora Jacoby Richardson as Anne. Kip, the Bearded Collie Cross, returns as the loyal Timmy the dog.
Joining them are new cast members, including:
- 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)
- Jamie Andrew Cutler (The Hurricane Heist)
Notably, Jemima Rooper, who played George in the 1990s Famous Five TV series, will now take on the role of Angela Clutterbuck, a guest at a mysterious hotel.
What to Expect from Series Two
The new season promises to bring even more daring adventures for the young heroes. While Julian is under strict orders to keep his siblings safe, George is eager to find the next big thrill. As war nears, Dick tries to stay brave, and Anne continues to grow into her newfound self-assurance. Timmy’s concerns remain as humorous as ever, with his focus on the local sausage shortage.
Series creator and executive producer Nicolas Winding Refn shared his excitement about the upcoming season, stating, “The excitement I feel for the return of The Famous Five fills my inner child with pure content. It is an adventure to manifest the youthful fantasies of my imagination and watch these characters, essentially my lifelong friends, continue to blossom and evolve.”
When to Watch
Families can enjoy the first series of The Famous Five on BBC iPlayer, with the second season set to bring more thrilling adventures and heartfelt moments to viewers of all ages.