Cameras return to BBC satirical comedy W1A

BBC Two comedy W1A returns for a third series as Hugh Bonneville once again takes on the role of BBC’s Head of Values Ian Fletcher.

The third series of W1A will see the cameras return to follow Ian and his team, played by Sarah Parish (Anna), Jessica Hynes (Siobhan), Jason Watkins (Simon), Monica Dolan (Tracey)  and Nina Sosanya (Lucy Freeman) – during and post Charter Renewal, reacting to the BBC’s new mission statement of doing More Of Less.

The six-part series is a BBC Studios production, written and directed by John Morton. Filming will begin next month (February),  for broadcast on BBC Two later this year.

Ian Fletcher, Head of Values, says: “We are lucky to have the cameras back at an exciting time for the BBC. In a period where we’re looking to identify as many Creative Efficiency Opportunities as possible we’ve been faced with some tough choices, but the good news about that is that in lots of ways tough choices are actually easier than easy choices because there are fewer options to choose from so that’s all good.”

Shane Allen, Controller, Comedy Commissioning, says: “It’s commendable that the team is able to increase the funniness of this series by 20-25 percent year on year, with just 54 percent of the original budget. This beautifully crafted series provides the answer to the age-old phrase: ‘If these walls could speak’ – in our case it turns out they’d talk bollocks.”

Chris Sussman, Head of Comedy, BBC Studios, says: “Good communication is one of the cornerstones of the BBC, and I’m extremely pleased to be finding out about this series via this press release.”