BBC confirms future of Michelle Keegan’s Ten Pound Poms after string of cost-saving cuts

THE BBC has announced there will be a second season of the hit show Ten Pound Poms starring Michelle Keegan amid fears of axing after a string of cost-saving cuts. 

Season one of the post-WW2 migration drama became one of the nation’s most prominent new TV series to be launched last year, amassing a 28-day figure of 7.7 million viewers. 

Reprising their roles alongside Michelle are Games of Thrones's Faye Marsay, and Luther star Warren Brown. 

Earlier this week, the Fool Me Once star was elusive in confirming whether the show would be returning, but now the cat’s out of the bag. 

Written and created by BAFTA award-winning Danny Brocklehurst, the first successful series followed a group of Brits in 1957 migrating to Australia after WW2 as they embarked on a life-changing experience on the other side of the pond. 

The new season of Ten Pound Poms will continue to follow nurse Kate Thorne, played by Michelle, and the Roberts family, led by Faye Marsay and Warren Brown, as they strive to make a fresh start while following their dreams in their new territory.

New characters will also be introduced in series two, including the unethical land-lord Benny Bates and the Skinner family, who are fresh off the boat from Ireland. 

Speaking on the Ten Pound Poms revival, Danny said: “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.”

Eleven Films production company which created Sex Education will also be producing the new series for BBC One and iPlayer, in a co-production with Stan, who aired the series in Australia.

Filming for the second series will be starting in mid-February in Australia. 

Executive Producer and Co-Founder of Eleven Joel Wilson expressed: “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.” 

Also returning for the new series are Australian actors Rob Collins as Ron, Leon Ford as Bill, Declan Coyle as Stevie, Stephen Curry as JJ, Hattie Hook as Pattie, Finn Treacy as Peter, Emma Hamilton as Sheila and Cheree Cassidy as Marlene. 

The director of BBC Drama, Lindsay Salt, added: “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…”

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