FAMOUS FACES
Big-name guest stars join The Famous Five as two action-packed episodes come to BBC1 starting this Easter
A famous James Bond star has also signed up for an appearance
BBC'S reboot of beloved children’s show The Famous Five will see a host of big-name guest stars feature - as it returns in just a matter of weeks.
Originally inspired by Enid Blyton’s adventurous tales from a group of friends, the drama ran for two series in 1978 on ITV.
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The BBC is set to air two brand new action-packed episodes, with the first instalment landing this Easter, and the second hitting screens later this year.
Bosses have signed up a string of megastars and acting favourites including Downton Abbey's Ed Speleers as Mr Roland, and Army of the Dead star Nora Arnezeder, who will play Sabrina Grover.
They will appear in the second episode alongside Ted Lasso star James Lance as Uncle Quentin and Moon Knight actress Ann Akinjirin as Aunt Fanny, who have both reprised their roles.
The episode titled Peril On The Night Train will follow the daring young explorers, as they face unparalleled danger and unravel remarkable mysteries.
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The cross-country thriller will involve Quentin’s invention of a state-of-the-art proto-computer dubbed ‘the Algebra Engine’.
With war on the horizon, the contraption is critical for the country’s counter intelligence efforts and it’s a race against time to prevent the machine falling into enemy hands.
The four rising stars return as the young protagonists at the helm of the family favourite series.
Elliot Rose will reprise his role as Julian, alongside Kit Rakusen, who plays Dick, Flora Jacoby Richardson as Anne and Diaana Babnicova, starring as George - plus Kip the Bearded Collie Cross playing Timmy the dog.
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BBC viewers are in for a treat as more household names will make their debut this series later this year.
Joining the cast for episode three, The Eye Of The Sunrise, is
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels actor Jason Flemyng, who will take on the role as circus magician the Great Supremo.
While True Lies and James Bond star Art Malik will play Sir Lincoln Aubrey in that same episode.
Patricia Hildago, Director of BBC Children’s and Education, said: “A whole new generation of viewers enjoyed the first instalment of these action-packed, epic adventures.
"Episode one was one of the biggest hits with parents and children
alike, bringing families together, and we can’t wait for viewers to see what’s in store for The Famous Five.”
The series aired its first rebooted episode back in December, titled The Curse of Kirrin Island.
It followed main character George Barnard’s life as it was turned upside down when she and her cousins embarked on a treasure hunt.
But they soon found themselves battling a merciless enemy who was intent on changing the world.
The Sun revealed last June that the much-loved kids show would be making a comeback.
The “reimagined” saga returns as three 90-minute episodes.
At the time, the director praised the show as a "celebration of British heritage".
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"Bringing these books to life with a new reimagining of The Famous Five is a real treat for BBC audiences and a celebration of British heritage," she said.
"These stories are loved around the world and bringing families together is a key part of our strategy so we hope it introduces a new generation of viewers to these wonderful adventures.”
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