ITVX's G'wed cast announced
ITVX has announced a range of established and new acting talent for its upcoming Scouse comedy G'wed which will launch on the streaming platform early 2024.
Set and filmed entirely on location in Liverpool, the younger cast members are described as "an exciting [array] of fresh, young local talent".
ITV explain: "The series firmly uses Liverpool's distinctive voice to delve into working class culture and offer up an uplifting, heart-warming and hilarious portrayal of teenagers today and how they view the world. G'wed isn't shy of tackling big issues like grief, sex, diversity and class differences, all with a wicked sense of humour."
The series first introduces Reece, played by Dylan Thomas Smith, a cheeky quick-witted lad whose final warning from headmaster Mr Meacher (played by Louis Emerick, Last Of The Summer Wine) pushes him into mentoring a new kid - the resilient, self-deprecating Southerner Christopher, played by Jake Kenny-Byrne (Endeavour).
Reece's best mates are the loveable, sincere and often unfiltered Connor, played by Max Ainsworth; soft-hearted sheep in wolf's clothing Ted, played by Dominic Murphy; and the easily excitable, fun-loving and loyal Mo, played by Zak Douglas (The Larkins).
Meanwhile, Aimee, played by Amber Harrison, is emotionally mature and ferociously determined to be the first person from Merseyside to win an Oscar since Glenda Jackson in 1973.
Aimee's best mate is Mia-Louise, played by Gemma Barraclough, whose extreme confidence brings her respect and popularity. Together they make a quite formidable pair, ready to bring you down a peg or two. Anyone at the school could be their next target, including the well-meaning but mentally drained teacher Mr Dunn, played by Philip Shaun McGuinness (The Responder).
New boy Christopher is the grandson of Reece's neighbour Pat, played by Jemma Churchill (Alma's Not Normal) - and Liverpool is worlds apart from the life he was previously used to; however, Reece offers to help him navigate his new environment and unbeknownst to Reece, Christopher begins to help Reece realise his full potential.
Leanne Best (Cold Feet) plays Reece's mum Jo, and Sunetra Sarker (Casualty) plays Mo's mum, Amal.
ITV Head of Comedy, Nana Hughes comments: "The G'wed cast will make you laugh and at times squirm. This new comedy features such talented young actors and we cannot wait to share it."
Mario Stylianides, founder of producers Golden Path Productions says: "I'm so proud of the cast that we have assembled. It was important that they offered an accurate representation of working class life in Liverpool, and through a combination of who they are as people and their immense talent they 100% delivered.
"It can be difficult to unearth one amazing new teenage actor but guided by casting director Harry Gilbert, we think we've managed to find seven in the main cast and many more throughout the show."
Liverpudlian Danny Kenny, writer of G'wed, adds: "This young cast had a lot of potential that was quickly fulfilled throughout filming, I can't wait for everyone to see how well they have brought these characters to life."