The BBC has announced that hit drama Ten Pound Poms will return for a second series, with Michelle Keegan (Fool Me Once, Brassic), Faye Marsay (Game of Thrones, Black Mirror) and Warren Brown (The Responder, Luther) all set to reprise their roles. Ten Pound Poms is written and created by the BAFTA award-winning Danny Brocklehurst (Fool Me Once, Ordinary Lies, Brassic) and is made by Eleven (Sex Education, Red Rose) for BBC One and iPlayer, in a co-production with Stan who air the series in Australia.

Series one of Ten Pound Poms was one of the UK’s biggest new dramas of last year, launching to a 28-day figure of 7.7 million viewers. It followed a group of Brits leaving dreary post-war Britain to embark on a life-changing adventure on the other side of the world.

After a challenging first year in Australia, the new series will follow nurse Kate Thorne (Michelle Keegan) and the Roberts family (led by Faye Marsay and Warren Brown) into 1957 on their adventure down under, as they are determined to make this new country everything they hoped it would be for a fresh start. Will Kate, Terry and Annie finally get a slice of the Australian dream they were promised?

Series two will also introduce some exciting new characters, including the Skinner family, fresh off the boat from Ireland and the unscrupulous land-lord Benny Bates. But will these new characters bring some sunshine into our returning characters’ lives… or just more drama?

Also returning for series two alongside Michelle Keegan, Faye Marsay and Warren Brown are Australian actors Rob Collins (Mystery Road; Firebite) as Ron, Leon Ford (Elvis; The Light Between Oceans) as Bill, Declan Coyle (Long Black; Life Of Jess) as Stevie, Stephen Curry (Hounds Of Love; The Castle) as JJ, Hattie Hook (Savage River; Of An Age) as Pattie, Finn Treacy (The Portable Door; Young Rock) as Peter, Emma Hamilton (The Tudors; Mr Selfridge) as Sheila and Cheree Cassidy (Underbelly, The Time of Our Lives) as Marlene.

Writer, creator and executive producer Danny Brocklehurst says: “The positive viewer response to Ten Pound Poms was a true delight. We tapped into a little-known part of our recent history and told stories which reflected the realities of the real Poms that made the trip. I couldn't be more thrilled to be teaming again with the BBC, Stan and Eleven to continue our characters' adventure down under.”

Executive Producer and Co-Founder of Eleven Joel Wilson says: “I fell in love with Australia last season, so I’m delighted to be heading back there with Danny, Faye, Michelle and Warren to reunite with our fabulous director Ana and our wonderful cast and crew, as well as welcoming director Tom McKay into the fold.”

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, says: “We’re delighted to take BBC viewers back to Australia for more sunshine with Ten Pound Poms series two. With Michelle Keegan, Faye Marsay and Warren Brown returning to lead the cast, and some fantastic new characters and stories from the brilliant Danny Brocklehurst, there’s so much more for our ‘Poms’ to discover Down Under…”

Stan Chief Content Officer, Cailah Scobie says: “We look forward to partnering with BBC and Eleven and the incredible creatives who produced an outstanding and compelling first season. Ten Pound Poms is another example of Stan’s commitment to authentic Australian screen stories, which resonate with audiences across Australia and around the globe. We are so excited to welcome back our beloved characters alongside the new cast in their search for the Australian dream.”

Series one of Ten Pound Poms was awarded two Golden Nymphs at the 62nd Annual Monte Carlo Television Festival for Best Series, and Best Actor, for Warren Brown’s portrayal of Terry.

Ten Pound Poms is produced by Eleven and is a co-production between Stan and BBC and on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK. Executive producer for the BBC is Gaynor Holmes, and Cailah Scobie and Donna Chang are executive producers for Stan. Joel Wilson, Olivia Trench and Jamie Campbell executive produce for Eleven, and Sophie Williams will co-executive produce the series. Danny Brocklehurst is the creator and writer and also executive produces. Producer is Karl Zwicky. Joining Danny Brocklehurst on the writing team is Ryan Griffen (Cleverman) alongside Smita Bhide (The Indian Detective). Series two is directed by Ana Kokkinos (Fires, The Hunting) and the Tom McKay (Jerk, Bloods). Sony Pictures Television (SPT) will distribute the series worldwide. Curio Pictures is providing production services in Australia.

Filming begins in Australia in mid-February. Ten Pound Poms series one is available to stream in full on BBC iPlayer.

Credit: BBC, 1st February 2024