UKTV channel Gold has ordered a second series of Yellow Door’s sitcom The Cockfields.
Gregor Fisher is to take on the role of Ray, originated by the late Bobby Ball.
The Cockfields, written by David Earl & Joe Wilkinson, stars Wilkinson as Simon, visiting his ever-doting mother (Sue Johnston), his controlling yet well-meaning stepfather (Fisher) and his celebrity-obsessed stepbrother (Ben Rufus Green) at their home on the Isle of Wight. Also joining the cast for the second series are Susannah Fielding, playing Simon’s new girlfriend Esther, Greg McHugh as his old schoolfriend Tony and Michele Dotrice who adopts the role of Lyn, originally played by Maggie Steed.
It is commissioned by Pete Thornton, UKTV head of scripted, and ordered by Gerald Casey, Gold channel director. Richard Watsham is UKTV director of commissioning and Steve North is genre general manager, comedy and entertainment. The Cockfields is directed by Simon Hynd, produced by John Rushton for Yellow Door Productions, and exec produced by Lucy Lumsden.
Writers Joe Wilkinson and David Earl said, “Thank you Gold loads for giving us a second series and supporting the show. We’re so chuffed to finally be making more episodes of The Cockfields – although our mate Simon isn’t, whose surname we nicked for the show. He’s actually quite annoyed, as it goes. We also want to mention how sad it was to lose Bobby last year, and what an honour it was to work with him. A brilliantly funny man.”
Pete Thornton said, “It feels like a long time since we last dropped in on The Cockfields so I’m delighted to be back in business with the team behind the first three smash hit episodes, and to be bringing this very special show back for a second series. At last we’re going to be allowed the opportunity to properly get to know this extraordinary family – and I know from the early drafts of Joe Wilkinson and David Earl’s remarkable scripts that fans of series one are in for an absolute treat.”
Gerald Casey said, “Gold viewers were unanimous in their love for the first series of The Cockfields and we can’t wait to see what this wonderful cast and crew have in store for us this time around.”
Lucy Lumsden, Yellow Door Productions, said, “Huge thanks to Gold for letting us make more episodes of The Cockfields. We were so sad to lose Bobby who was such a special part of our show. With the blessing of Bobby’s family, we’ll be seeing more of the characters we fell in love with and the joyous relationship between stepdad and stepson that Joe and David write so well. We so look forward to getting back on to the Island.”
Jon Creamer
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