Channel 5 drama lands a second series before the first even airs – and filming is already underway

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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.
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The Forsytes has landed a second series - before the first's even aired
Credit: Channel 5
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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 Millie Gibson and The Morning Show actor Jack Davenport.
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.
Susan Hampshire, 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.
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 (Nicholas Ralph) for his veterinary practice at Skeldale House alongside himself and his younger brother Tristan (Callum Woodhouse). There James settles into his new life and even finds love with local farmer's daughter Helen (Rachel Shenton). The Ex-Wife - New parents Tasha (Céline Buckens) and Jack (Tom Misson) seem to have the perfect life, but the constant presence of Jack's overly friendly but suspicious ex-wife Jen (Janet Montgomery) puts pressure on the couple. But as the series progresses it becomes less clear who the bad guy really is and how far everyone will go to get the life they think they deserve. Heat - EastEnders alum Danny Dyer leads this four-part action thriller, set in Australia, which sees two families holidaying together during bushfire season. But instead of rest and relaxation, secrets and lies start to unravel — and not everyone will make it out alive… Lie With Me - Another soap legend jets off to Australia, this time its EastEnders alum Charlie Brooks who takes as a married woman trying to saving her marriage by moving halfway around the world after her husband had an affair. However it's far from plain sailing, as a young and attractive live-in nanny comes to work with the Fallmont family, and tensions soon build and eventually, someone ends up dead. The Drowning - Jill Halfpenny plays Jodie, a woman whose life is shattered following the disappearance of her beloved four-year-old son, Daniel. However, ten years later, the grieving mother thinks she's finally found her missing child, and embarks on a journey to discover the truth about him. But has she really just found the son she has been missing for so long?
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 secured the broadcast rights for the rebooted series.
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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