Huge TV star returns to hit BBC kids show – 29 years after first starring in it
UPCOMING episodes of BBC’s The Famous Five will see a huge TV star return to the franchise – almost three decades since their first appearance.
Based on Enid Blyton’s beloved children’s books, the show debuted on CBBC last year, following previous TV iterations in 1978 and 1995, respectively.
Meanwhile, the forthcoming second series will feature the return of actress Jemima Rooper, who played George in the 1995 version.
The actress, now 42, takes on the role of Angela Clutterbuck, a guest staying at a mysterious hotel.
Jemima has since appeared in shows including Atlantis, Father Brown, Death in Paradise, Midsomer Murders and Sky One’s The Hex.
In the latest adaptation, George is played by Diaana Babnicova, who is reprising her role for series two.
Joining her are the rest of the Five – Elliott Rose as Julian, Kit Rakusen as Dick, Flora Jacoby Richardson as Anne and Kip, the Bearded Collie Cross as Timmy the dog.
Also returning are James Lance as Uncle Quentin, Ann Akinjirin as Aunt Fanny and Jack Gleeson as Thomas Wentworth.
As well as Jemima, other new faces joining the cast include Maria Pedraza, Amir Wilson (His Dark Materials), James Wilby (Poldark), Rita Tushingham (A Taste of Honey), Jonathan Aris (Sherlock) and Jamie Andrew Cutler (The Hurricane Heist).
The show’s creator and executive producer, Nicolas Winding Refn, said the show’s return “fills [his’] inner child with pure content”.
He added: “It is an adventure to manifest the youthful fantasies of my imagination and watch these characters, essentially my lifelong friends, continue to blossom and evolve.
“This second season is sure to inspire and elicit unadulterated elation!”
Cast member James Lance said: “‘I am delighted to be back playing Uncle Quentin in The Famous Five. This series is a gem.
“It is a privilege to be working with our wonderful cast with the sweetest co-star, dear Kip who plays Timmy the dog as we follow him on these magical adventures.”
Following the show’s launch, some viewers were left feeling unhappy about the adaptation.
One wrote on X: “Less than five minutes in and this Famous Five adaptation is awful.
“Will persevere a bit longer just in case but hopes are not high. Why mess with a classic story?”
Another person agreed, writing: “Just watched The Famous Five. Awful.
BBC's The Famous Five cast
The BBC's adaptation of Enid Blyton's beloved books The Famous Five launched last year. Here is a look at the show's core cast.
This latest iteration of The Famous Five marks the third time Blyton’s books have been adapted for the small screen. Previously, the show was adapted in 1978 and 1995, respectively.
- Diaana Babnicova as George
- Elliott Rose as Julian
- Kit Rakusen as Dick
- Flora Jacoby Richardson as Anne
- James Lance as Uncle Quentin
- Ann Akinjirin as Aunt Fanny
- Kip as Timmy, the dog
- Jack Gleeson as Thomas Wentworth
“Why can’t the BBC leave things as they’re meant to be? George is taller than her mother, it’s badly cast and don’t get me started on the music and filming!
“Not what Enid Blyton wrote!”
Whether or not they will be won over by series two, remains to be seen.
Series 1 of BBC‘s The Famous Five is available to watch on iPlayer