W1A Series 3 set to start filming
- Series 3 of W1A has been confirmed, with all the key cast due to return for six new episodes
- Filming begins at the BBC's offices this February, with the series due to be shown on BBC Two later in the year
- BBC cost cutting will be a key theme. Ian Fletcher says: "Tough choices are actually easier than easy choices"
The BBC has now officially confirmed that comedy show W1A is to return for a third series, and released more details about the new episodes.
The sitcom, which is a satire on BBC management, was last seen on television in 2015. There was no series last year due to cast availability issues, however filming on six new half hour episodes is finally due to begin on location at the corporation's New Broadcasting House offices this February.
Creator John Morton has written six new episodes, with all the key cast expected to reprise their roles. Hugh Bonneville (Ian), Jessica Hynes (Siobhan), Jason Watkins (Simon), Monica Dolan (Tracey), Hugh Skinner (Will), Nina Sosanya (Lucy), Sarah Parish (Anna), David Westhead (Neil), Rufus Jones (David), Ophelia Lovibond (Izzy) and Jonathan Bailey (Jack) are all confirmed as returning.
The new series will focus on the BBC's need to cut costs. In a spoof press release, the producers say: "The BBC's Head of Values, Ian Fletcher, is once again throwing open the revolving doors to New Broadcasting House to allow cameras to film Series 3 of W1A.
"The cameras will be following Ian and his team during and post-Charter Renewal reacting to the BBC's new mission statement of doing More Of Less, which Anna Rampton, Head of Output, describes as being about 'Putting what we do best front and centre and about identifying better ways of doing less of it more'."
The character Ian Fletcher adds: "We are lucky to have the cameras back at an exciting time for the BBC. In a period where we're looking to identify as many Creative Efficiency Opportunities as possible we've been faced with some tough choices, but the good news about that is that in lots of ways tough choices are actually easier than easy choices because there are fewer options to choose from... so that's all good."
Shane Allen, who commissioned the series, jokes: "It's commendable that the team are able to increase the funniness of this series by 20-25% year on year with just 54% of the original budget. This beautifully crafted series provides the answer to the age old phrase: 'If these walls could speak', in our case it turns out they'd talk bollocks."
Chris Sussman, Head of Comedy at BBC Studios, adds: "Good communication is one of the cornerstones of the BBC, and I'm extremely pleased to be finding out about this series via this press release."
Patrick Holland, the real controller of BBC Two, says: "I tried to kill this but Tony [Hall, the Director General] thought we should push ahead... a brilliant comedy gem returns to Two."