James Graham, the writer behind new four-part BBC drama Dear England, previously brought us Sherwood – and another season of that acclaimed drama is on the way.
Filming on Sherwood season 3 began at the start of this year, with Rosalie Craig (Riot Women), Joe Dempsie (The Capture), Kirby Howell-Baptiste (The Sandman), Sue Johnston (The Royle Family), Peter Wight (A Confession), Ben Batt (Toxic Town) and Adam Long (The Day of the Jackal) being confirmed as new cast members.
Now, while speaking with us exclusively for our video interview series The Radio Times Writers’ Room, in which we get to know what makes screenwriters tick, Graham has revealed that filming on season 3 has ended – and has teased what we can expect.
“Finished filming series 3, that’s in the edit,” Graham said (which you can watch in the video above).
“And what’s been really lovely is to get original actors back – people like Leslie Manville, David Morrissey, Lorraine Ashbourne, from the first series bringing back Claire Rushbrook, Robert Glenister. People, just even saying their names, you go, ‘Why are you working with me? I feel so lucky.'”
Christine Bottomley as Rachel Crossley, Monica Dolan as Ann Branson, Lorraine Ashbourne as Daphne Sparrow and Stephen Dillane as Roy Branson in Sherwood season 2. BBC/House Productions,Jack Merriman
Graham continued: “These are like proper national treasures. And what’s amazing about the kinds of actors we have on Sherwood is it’s almost like they come from a tradition where they really, really care about socially minded, politically minded TV drama.
“Almost from a tradition that goes back to Alan Bleasdale in the ’90s and ’80s, and Jimmy McGovern and Sally Wainwright and Paul Abbott. That drama is not just confection; it’s about understanding community and the pressures in the community.
“So, to work with them has been brilliant. And then, like every series, we have a brand new family that I put through a brand new trauma, and we really put these guys through the wringer, but it’s very exciting, led by Rosalie Craig, who was just in Riot Women, Joe Dempsie, who people remember from Skins, but like great Nottingham actors to tell a Nottinghamshire story.”
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In his chat with The Radio Times Writers’ Room, Graham also spoke about his work on previous projects such as Brexit: The Uncivil War, The Crown and Quiz.
He also delved into his latest series Dear England, which is airing now on BBC One and BBC iPlayer and stars Joseph Fiennes as Gareth Southgate. The series charts Southgate’s tenure as the manager of the England football team, and explores how he changed the ethos of the team in order to turn its fortunes around.
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James Graham’s full interview for The Radio Times Writers’ Room is available to watch on Radio Times and on YouTube now.
Sherwood season 3 will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on iPlayer now.
Dear England episodes 1-2 are available to stream now on BBC iPlayer now, while episodes 3-4 will be released on Sunday 31 May.
Add Sherwood to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.
Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.