The Durrells set to begin filming Series 2 in Corfu

The cast of ITV’s hit drama The Durrells, starring Keeley Hawes, is returning to Corfu in preparation for the filming of the second series, which begins at the end of August.

The second series sees Keeley reprise her role as Louisa Durrell in the six-part drama – with Daniel Lapaine (Catastrophe, Muriel’s Wedding) joining the cast as Hugh Jarvis – an English gentleman who sets his sight on Louisa. But after her failed attempt at marrying Sven, will Louisa be ready for a new man in her life?

Based on Gerald Durrell’s trilogy of memoirs, and written by Simon Nye, The Durrells tells the story of Louisa Durrell who makes a radical change and uproots her four unruly ‘children’ Larry, Leslie, Margo and Gerry, from Bournemouth to start a new life in Corfu in the 1930s.

The second series will see Larry (Josh O’Connor) continue to pursue his passion for writing despite a new romance getting in the way; Leslie (Callum Woodhouse) decides to explore his entrepreneurial spirit; Margo (Daisy Waterstone) remains boy crazy and makes a play for someone thoroughly unsuitable; and Gerry (Milo Parker) who prefers animals to people is delighted when he discovers an otter is living close to home.

Daniel Lapaine joins the series 2 cast.

Money is still tight for the Durrells and Louisa finds herself on the wrong side of their new landlady Vasilia (Errika Bigio) when she gets behind on paying the rent – it almost feels like Vasilia, who is complexly inflexible, has a personal grudge towards Louisa, but why would that be?  Louisa urges the family to brainstorm ideas to make some extra cash. They decide to grow food at home to sell at market.  Theo (Yorgos Karamihos) tries to teach Leslie bee-keeping so he can make honey, Margo plants seeds and Gerry milks goats.  Spiros (Alexis Georgoulis) is also on hand to offer support, but can they make a success of their new business venture?

Also returning is Leslie Caron as Countess Mavrodaki once again, Ulric Von Der Esch as Sven, Anna Savva reprises her role as housekeeper Lugaretzia, Lucy Black is back as Florence Petrides and Alexis Conran returns as Dr Petrides.

Sally Woodward-Gentle, CEO at Sid Gentle Films Ltd., said: “We absolutely loved making the first series of The Durrells and were overjoyed with the response from viewers when it was broadcast on ITV.  We can’t wait to reunite the fantastic cast and crew for Simon Nye’s wonderful scripts and get on a plane to Corfu!”

The Durrells is produced by Sid Gentle Films Ltd. Steve Barron (The Durrells, Merlin) and Ed Hall (Partners in Crime, Restless) will direct the second series.

Filming will commence in Corfu at the end of August, with some scenes being filmed in London.