Channel 5 drama lands a second series before the first even airs – and filming is already underway
A CHANNEL 5 drama has secured a second series - before series one has even hit screens.
The period show is a reimagining of a Nobel Prize-winning book series.
2
The Forsytes has landed a second series - before the first's even aired
Credit: Channel 5
2
Millie Gibson stars in a leading role
Credit: PA
Penned by Poldark screenwriter Debbie Horsfield, The Forsytes follows an upper-class family of stockbrokers across multiple generations.
And it is set against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving late-Victorian world.
Despite the first series having not yet aired, a second instalment has already been confirmed.
Among the leading cast members are Doctor Who star
Read more on Channel 5
Further cast includes Joshua Orpin, Francesca Annis, Stephen Moyer, Eleanor Tomlinson and Susan
Hampshire
OBE.
Millie, 20, portrays Irene Heron, the dancer, who is known for her scandalous manner when it comes to men.
BAFTA winner Francesca, 80, plays formidable Forsyte matriarch Ann while Jack, 52, stars as Ann's competitive son James.
OBE, who starred in the 1967
BBC
Forsyte Saga and won the first of her three lead actress Emmys for the role, plays Lady Carteret.
Most read in News TV
The show is based on a trilogy of
books
called The Forsyte Saga, written by John Galsworthy.
These novels were released between 1906 to 1921 - with several adaptations over the years.
Glam life of Millie Gibson
Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, Drama, 5, said: 'We are excited to announce that production has begun on the second series of The Forsytes.
"With the first series set to air soon, this early commitment to a second chapter is a testament to the strength of the stories and characters that we know our audience will embrace.
"We look forward to sharing even more of this rich and compelling series.'
Damien Timmer, CCO & Founder of Mammoth Screen said: 'We can't wait for the world to see series 1 of The Forsytes, and we're so pleased to be getting ahead of ourselves and starting on this thrilling second series with Debbie Horsfield's irresistible scripts and our glorious – and ever expanding - cast.'
Viewers don't have too long to wait, as series one is set to launch on 5 later this year.
Top Channel 5 dramas
Channel 5 has become a hub for gripping drama, these are some of the best My5 has to offer.
All Creatures Great and Small
- Based on the best-selling novels by real-life vet Alf Wright, the show revolves around a trio of vets working in the Yorkshire Dales in the late 1930s. Eccentric Siegfried Farnon (Samuel West) hires James Herriot (
- New parents Tasha (
- Another soap legend jets off to Australia, this time its EastEnders alum
It was
originally commissioned by Masterpiece on PBS and produced by Mammoth Screen, part of
ITV
Studios,
But earlier this year, it was revealed Channel 5 had
Susanne Simpson, Head of Scripted Content and Executive Producer at Masterpiece said at the time: 'We can't wait to bring The Forsytes to our Masterpiece viewers in the US, and we're thrilled that the series has a UK home at 5.
"With brilliant actors and an amazing crew, Mammoth Screen has created a sumptuous reimagining of a classic that will delight audiences around the world.'
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