Children’s comedy-drama Dodger is to return for three special episodes, it has been announced.
And they will feature guest stars including Matthew Holness, Jane Horrocks, Rufus Jones, Anita Dobson, Robert Lindsay and Mark Benton.
Filming has just wrapped on the shows – which include a Christmas special – in Bristol.
They are written by Rhys Thomas and Lucy Montgomery, who also appear on screen. In a statement, they said: ‘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.’
Billy Jenkins returns as Dodger, alongside Fagin, played by Christopher Eccleston.
The adult cast also includes David Threlfall, Alex Kingston, Javone Prince, Saira Choudhry, James Fleet, Lenny Rush and Sam C Wilson.
Produced by Universal International Studios, the 45-minute shows will air on CBBC and iPlayer and will each have a self-contained plot.
Series one ended with Dodger being deported to Australia on a ship filled with convicts – so the first new episode shows his escape back to London to reunite with Fagin. While the festive episodes has the gang unwittingly crashing a Christmas party at 10 Downing Street.
Series one became the most watched programme commissioned for CBBC in the past 12 months after being repeated on BBC One.
Amy Buscombe, commissioning editor from 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.’
Dodger specials production credits
Made by: Universal International Studios
Created and written by: Rhys Thomas and Lucy Montgomery
Director: Rhys Thomas
Producer: Marcus Collier
Commissioned for CBBC by: Amy Buscombe
Executive producers: Mark Freeland, Rhys Thomas and Lucy Montgomery
