Hit BBC drama Nightsleeper is OFFICIALLY returning for a second series — and fans did NOT see this coming
BACK WITH A BANG
Hit BBC drama Nightsleeper WILL return for second series after fans feared it had been axed – but with a huge twist
Fans who were left wondering whether train thriller Nightsleeper had been axed after just one outing will be delighted to hear series two is definitely on track – but with a huge twist.
In series one — a breakout hit for the BBC in 2024 — Peaky Blinders star Joe Cole played cop Joe Roag, who tries to save a hijacked train that is thundering down the tracks from Glasgow to London.
Joe Cole played cop Joe Roag in Nightsleeper, battling to save a hijacked train hurtling from Glasgow to LondonCredit: BBC
Roag was helped by cyber security agent Abby Aysgarth, played by Alexandra RoachCredit: BBC
But this time round, the high-stakes drama will unfold at sea, aboard a ship.
Talk about rocking the boat.
Writer Nick Leather says all hands are on deck for the new series, which promises new characters and plenty of plot twists and murder.
“It’s so exciting to set sail on season two,” he said. “The passengers and crew on tonight’s Belfast to Liverpool passenger ferry are about to experience six hours of non-stop thrills and spills, secrets and lies, triumphs and tragedies.
Dubbed Speed meets counter-terrorism thriller 24, Nightsleeper was the Beeb’s biggest drama launch of 2024Credit: BBC
It has not been announced whether any of the original cast, including James Cosmo, above, will be returning for the new showCredit: BBC
“None of them are quite as they seem. Nothing in their lives will ever be the same again. Not all of them will make it to the other side. The new Nightsleeper is going to be more Nightsleepery than ever.”
Dubbed Speed meets counter-terrorism thriller 24, Nightsleeper was the Beeb’s biggest drama launch of 2024, with episode one watched by 8.5million viewers.
It was a mix of action thriller and whodunnit, because while trying to stop the runaway train, Joe also had to work out if the baddies were actually on board.
He was helped by cyber security agent Abby Aysgarth, played by Alexandra Roach, with whom he communicated by phone.
It has not been announced whether any of the original cast will be returning for the new show, or who will be at the helm, but bosses hope series two will make as big a splash as the first one did.
Filming for the six-parter gets under way later this year in Belfast.
A Mole lot of fun for Adrian
Oliver Savell and Galaxie Clear star as Adrian and Pandora in the BBC’s new adaptation of The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾Credit: Jordan Crosby
Pam Ferris joins the series playing grandma – looking rather like the late Queen Elizabeth IICredit: Jordan Crosby
It looks like romance is in the air as the BBC films its reboot of The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾.
Oliver Savell, as Adrian, can be seen getting cuddly with love interest Pandora, played by Galaxie Clear.
However, his style might be hampered by the arrival of his grandmother, played by Pam Ferris, looking rather like the late Queen Elizabeth II.
That role was played by the legendary Beryl Reid in ITV’s 1980s adaptation of Sue Townsend’s books.
Adrian and Pandora share a cuddleCredit: Jordan Crosby
Alun Armstrong will also appear in the reboot, making him the only cast member from a previous series – where he played Adrian’s dad GeorgeCredit: Jordan Crosby
In a blast from the past, Alun Armstrong will also appear in the reboot, making him the only cast member from a previous series reprising a role.
In 2001’s Adrian Mole: The Cappuccino Years, he played Adrian’s dad, George.
This time he’ll play a pal of Adrian’s called Bert Baxter.
Comics get ball rolling
Prime Video’s Last One Laughing has featured big comedy names including Bob Mortimer, Romesh Ranganathan and Daisy May Cooper. So hopefully we can expect the same calibre of talent for this new ITV projectCredit: RAY BURMISTON
ITV has got the ball rolling on its wacky new gameshow from the makers of comedy hit Last One Laughing.
Filming has just started on Let’s Play Ball, which sees two teams of comedians go head-to-head in a race to transport a gigantic ball through Britain’s streets.
Today they take the mayhem to Canterbury, Kent, where the famous faces will be pushing the 45kg inflatable sphere around the historic streets. I’m expecting comedic chaos.
Based on a Dutch format, bosses are hoping this will translate with British viewers like Netherlands import The Traitors did.
Prime Video series Last One Laughing has featured big comedy names such as Bob Mortimer, Romesh Ranganathan and Daisy May Cooper.
So I hope we can expect the same calibre of talent for this new project.
Vanessa Feltz’s Channel 5 show has been axed after being hit by a string of prank calls. The programme, which launched just over a year, will go off air next month. A Channel 5 spokesman said: “Due to afternoon scheduling changes, ‘Vanessa’ will be rested from July 17.”
Julie in Midwife prequel
Former Corrie star Julie Hesmondhalgh is set to star in Call The Midwife prequel Sisters In ArmsCredit: Getty Images
Coronation Street favourite Julie Hesmondhalgh is going from the cobbles to the convent.
The actress is set to star in Call The Midwife prequel Sisters In Arms, which is set in Poplar during World War Two.
Julie will play Sister Alice in the three-part festive special, which will feature the show’s much-loved characters in their youth.
In 1939, Sisters Julienne (Helena Wilson), Evangelina (Amy Booth-Steel) and Monica Joan (Helen Schlesinger) are all at Nonnatus House. With Sister Alice, they dedicate their lives to helping mothers, babies and the poor. Then war is declared and life gets even harder.
The show will be narrated by Jenny Agutter as the older Sister Julienne.
Bully for you Freddie
Just as I said earlier this month, Freddie Flintoff will be stepping back up to the oche as ITV confirm Bullseye will return for a second series.
Host Freddie will be joined again by scorer Richard Ashdown as players team with professionals hoping to win some amazing prizes.
Freddie said: “It’s great that Bullseye still has a special place in the nation’s heart as it does mine. I loved bringing it back on TV.”
Sally’s new shearlock
Everyone tells their crimper everything so BBC’s nostalgic crime drama The Hairdresser Mysteries is sure to be full of revelations.
In a first-look at the 1970s-set series, Sally Phillips plays Lily Petal who switches city life for a small village hairdressing salon.
Using her intuition, empathy and understanding, she begins to solve the village’s riddles.
Coronation Street’s Charlotte Jordan plays her sidekick Clary, while Ben Castle-Gibb, best known for appearing in Netflix’s You, is young copper PC Adam Watson.
CRE: https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/39462328/nightsleeper-returns-second-series-huge-twist-tv/
