Sky1 has officially begun production on the second series of the Manchester based sitcom MOUNT PLEASANT. Here is their press release…

Tiger Aspect today started production on a second season of the hit Sky 1 HD comedy-drama MOUNT PLEASANT in Manchester. Following the success the first season, which attracted an average weekly audience of 1.3 million, the second series promises more fun, friendship and flirting as Sally Lindsay and co return for an extended run of nine hour-long episodes and a Christmas special.

Written by Sarah Hooper (Shameless), MOUNT PLEASANT will see Robson Green (Waterloo Road, Being Human) and George Sampson (Street Dance 3D, Britain’s Got Talent) joining the cast. Green will play Lisa (Sally Lindsay, Coronation Street, Phoenix Nights) and Dan’s (Daniel Ryan, Just William) new neighbour Chris, as he develops a ‘friendship’ with hot totty Bianca (Sian Reeves, Cutting It). Sampson plays Bianca’s step son Gary, who comes to stay when his mother travels to Australia without him.

Series two welcomes the return of the distinguished cast led by Lindsay(in the role of Lisa). Lindsay and Ryan will be joined by, comedy veteran Bobby Ball, Pauline Collins (Upstairs Downstairs, Shirley Valentine), Angela Griffin(Waterloo Road, Hustle), Paula Wilcox (Man About The House, A Touch of Frost), Sian Reeves (Cutting It, Emmerdale), Adrian Bower (Teachers), Neil Fitzmaurice (Peepshow, Phoenix Nights), Owen McDonnell (Single Handed) and Ainsley Howard.

Sarah Hooper (writer) said: “I love Robson, he is a fantastic actor and we’re all delighted to have someone with his pedigree joining the cast, and with George’s talent and rising star status it is going to bring an exciting new edge to our already brilliant ensemble. I can’t wait to see the new series come to life.”

George Sampson commented: “I’m thrilled to be joining Mount Pleasant … the cast could not have been more welcoming. The role of Gary is an amazing opportunity for me, on top of the other screen work I’ve done recently. I can’t wait to explore further the comedic side of acting, with this fantastic cast.”

In the first series, Lisa discovered that another woman was making a play for her husband Dan and sexy singleton Jack (McDonnell) arrived in town toying with her emotions. As we rejoin MOUNT PLEASANT, Jack appears a changed man and Lisa and Dan are back to their usual ways. Lisa’s best friends – and workmates – Shelley (Griffin) and Denise (Howard) need her more than ever, as they are struggling to adjust to their new lives with Shelley entering the world of dating as a sexy singleton and Denise adjusting to life as a working single mother. Denise’s relationship with boss and smooth talker Fergus (Fitzmaurice) was turbulent at best, and series two will see Fergus trying to win his way back into their lives.

When we entered MOUNT PLEASANT Lisa Johnson loved her life, but will she feel the same when she’s been through the trials and tribulations in store in season two? Life looks set to be anything but quiet.