...but without Jimmy Akingbola

ITV has confirmed the second series of its sitcom Kate and Koji will air in the spring.

Brenda Blethyn will return as Kate – but Okorie Chukwu takes over the role of asylum-seeking doctor Koji from Jimmy Akingbola, who is now in the US where he has a starring role in the reboot of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.

Blake Harrison and Barbara Flynn will also return for the six new episodes, reprising their roles as ‘Medium’ and Councillor Bone.

Blethyn said: ‘I’m so pleased Kate will be welcoming her customers back into the caff. Even the postman.  I’ve missed them. So looking forward to donning the gingham apron and welcoming Okorie to our Kate and Koji family.’

Chukwu added: ‘I’m excited to step into the role of Koji and I can’t wait to get working with this brilliant cast of actors.’

News of the commission was first announced in June 2020, but coronavirus restrictions scuppered plans to film it earlier this year.

The series is written by Outnumbered creators Guy Jenkin and Andy Hamilton.

In a statement, they said: ‘We were disappointed to have to postpone the second series because of the big Covid spike in January 2021, but now we’re looking forward to getting back into Kate’s seaside café with our superb cast, performing in front of a live studio audience.’

The first series averaged just under 5 million viewers across the series run when first aired in 2020

Kate and Koji is made Hat Trick and was commissioned for ITV by Nana Hughes, the broadcaster’s head of scripted comedy.

Published: 25 Nov 2021