Star cast for Dodger specials revealed
CBBC and producers Universal International Studios have revealed the star-studded guests appearing in Dodger's upcoming specials.
Created, written, executive produced by and co-starring Rhys Thomas and Lucy Montgomery in supporting roles, the period comedy series is a prequel to Charles Dickens's timeless Oliver Twist, seeing how the Artful Dodger, Jack Dawkins, first came to join Fagin's gang.
A 10-episode series aired between February and April on CBBC, becoming the most-watched CBBC-commissioned programme in the last year. Starring Billy Jenkins as Dodger, Christopher Eccleston as Fagin and David Threlfall as the Metropolitan Police Chief Commissioner, it also features Javone Prince, Julian Barratt, James Fleet, Tanya Reynolds, Samantha Spiro and many more.
Three 45-minute specials have now been filmed and are expected to air at the end of the year. Guest stars include Anita Dobson, Robert Lindsay, Mark Benton, Rufus Jones, Matthew Holness and Jane Horrocks.
Each episode will focus on a self-contained plot picking up from Series 1, which ended with Dodger being deported to Australia in a ship filled with convicts. The specials are written by Rhys Thomas and Lucy Montgomery, with Thomas also directing all three.
They say: "We are thrilled to be back for three exciting specials and even more thrilled to assemble such an amazing cast. We had great fun taking these characters on more adventures and we thank the BBC for giving us the platform to do so."
Amy Buscombe, Commissioning Editor, BBC Children's says: "We're delighted that Dodger's first outing was enjoyed by so many children and their families, and can't wait to see what rip-roaring adventures Dodger and the gang have in store for us next!"
Mark Freeland, Executive Producer for Universal International Studios, said: "It's so great to see the rag-tag Dodger gang back so soon for three specials on the BBC. We're aiming to give families some really thrilling, feel-good and downright funny entertainment."