Mackenzie Crook to direct Series 2 of The Change
Filming on Series 2 of Bridget Christie's The Change is set to begin this July, and it's been revealed that Mackenzie Crook is set to direct the episodes.
The star of The Office and Detectorists says: "The Change was my favourite TV show of 2023 and so to find myself directing Series 2 feels like winning a competition. My prize includes Bridget's beautifully crafted scripts, a cast of comedy legends, and a summer of filming in the glorious British countryside. What a privilege to be working with [production company] Expectation and to be back on Channel 4 where I started my career."
Bridget Christie comments: "Detectorists was my favourite British TV show of the past decade and was a huge influence on The Change, so to have Mackenzie directing the second series feels like a mad dream. I can't think of anyone better suited to direct."
Executive producer Morwenna Gordon adds: "We're thrilled that Mackenzie is joining the team for the second series of The Change. He and Bridget have such a shared sensibility and love for beautiful, funny, profound stories, set against the backdrop of the gorgeous British countryside. Along with our stellar cast, this feels like the perfect partnership."
The cast returning to the Forest of Dean to star alongside Christie include Susan Lynch playing Eel Sister Agnes; Tanya Moodie playing DJ Joy; Liza Tarbuck playing Linda's older domineering sister Siobhain; Jim Howick as The Verderer; Jerome Flynn as Pig Man; Paul Whitehouse as Tony and Omid Djalili is back as Linda's husband Steve. Laura Checkley, who played Louise in Detectorists, joins the new series as Eel Sister Theresa.
At the start of Series 2, Linda has got some explaining to do. Faced with the repercussions of the lies she's told the forest community, along with losing the Mother Tree, and the arrival of husband Steve who has come to bring her home, Linda's future in the forest looks uncertain. But she's already come a long way since being mother/wife/homemaker Linda Jane Jenkins of Swindon, and her journey is far from over. She may have only been Eel Queen for a day, but something's changed in Linda which means she's not done yet - in fact she's only just started. But little does she realise what a huge impact this decision will have on the town... and Steve.
Broadcast details for Series 2 of The Change will be announced at a later date.