Anne Reid joins cast of ‘Prisoners’ Wives’
With filming complete on the second series of BBC One drama Prisoner’s Wives, the BBC has announced details of the forthcoming series including additions to the cast of Karla Crome, Sally Carmen and Anne Reid.
In series two viewers can look forward to the return of glamorous gangster’s wife Francesca (Polly Walker – Rome, The Mentalist) and long-suffering prisoner’s Mum, Harriet (Pippa Haywood – Scott And Bailey, Green Wing). This time they are joined by two new characters; Kim (Sally Carman – Shameless, Tyrannosaur), a mother and the wife of a man falsely accused of a terrible crime and Aisling (Karla Crome – Misfits, Hit And Miss), the gutsy teenage daughter of a repeat offender.
As each of the women struggles with the fall-out from their loved ones’ imprisonment, viewers can expect even more crime and jeopardy, joy and laughter, sex and secrets. Over four episodes viewers will enjoy an even more intense, high octane mix of thriller, romance, tension and wit. This series Francesca is forced to confront the ugly reality of her husband’s world. As the line blurs between criminal and criminal’s wife, she and her family have to face devastating consequences. Along with Harriet, Kim and Aisling’s stories, Prisoners’ Wives builds to an exhilarating finale.
Returning cast also includes, Iain Glen (Downton Abbey, Game Of Thrones) who plays Francesca’s gangster husband Paul and David Bradley (Harry Potter, Mount Pleasant) who reprises his role as Frank, Francesca’s father. Adam Gillen (Benidorm, Fresh Meat) returns as Harriet’s son Gavin and one of the UK’s best loved and most popular actresses Anne Reid (Cemetery Junction, Upstairs, Downstairs).
Julie Gearey has returned to write the script of four episodes which were filmed in Sheffield. Julie Gearey said of the new series: “It’s been very exciting to return to the world of Prisoners’ Wives and have the opportunity to create fresh stories for Francesca and Harriet and introduce our brand new characters, Kim and Aisling. The second season will continue the mix of compelling character driven stories with some dark twists and more than a little romance.”
Polly Walker said: “It was easy to return to the role of Francesca. There is still such a great story to tell and I hope viewers will enjoy the journey, with all its twists and turns, that she and her family take this time.”
Pippa Haywood, who reprises her role as Harriet, added: “What a thrill and a delight it is to return to Prisoners’ Wives. Harriet is a character of such range and depth it is an absolute pleasure to step back into her shoes again. She returns with great gusto and continues to grow through her prison connections. She has the chance of a new romantic relationship and continues to struggle to form a better relationship with her son. There are fantastic new characters and story lines that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats once again. We have had such an amazing response from the public – I’m sure they will enjoy this series as much as the first. I think they’re in for a treat.”
The series is executive produced for BBC One by Christopher Aird and for Tiger Aspect by Roanna Benn and Rebecca de Souza. Anna Ferguson is series producer. Director is Harry Bradbeer.
Prisoner’s Wives returns to BBC One in 2013.
