1 week ago
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When I mourned the end of The Freak – look, I know it was deserved and she was a sociopath but gosh, what a character – I started to accept that Wentworth was over after eight seasons.
The tissues have barely dried and now the good news came in that we will be reuniting with some of the characters on the outside, and UK viewers will be able to watch!
Wentworth: Beyond Bars will be picked up by 5, ready for us to watch later this year. And the first details and pictures are in, along with an opening scene of Boomer (Katrina Milosevic) leaving the prison for her probation period.
But it soon transpires that life outside of Wentworth may be just as dangerous.
A spokesperson told us: ‘Katrina Milosevic, Nicole da Silva and Kate Box return as Susan ‘Boomer’ Jenkins, Franky Doyle and Lou Kelly. They lead an ensemble cast that bring to life a volatile mix of flawed survivors thrown together under one roof, where danger, bad decisions and fierce loyalties collide with moments of heart and dark comedic chaos.
In this new instalment of the franchise, the story continues beyond the prison walls, where the world outside proves just as unforgiving as the one left behind.
‘Fan-favourite Susan ‘Boomer’ Jenkins is finally on parole, determined to rebuild her life and reunite with her daughter. But freedom proves just as dangerous as prison when she moves into the Sally Lee Halfway House, a home full of volatile women, each with something to hide and nowhere left to run.
‘When one of the residents turns up dead, Boomer is thrust into a spiralling mystery that threatens to undo everything she’s fought so hard for. To make matters worse, the person Boomer ratted on to reduce her sentence is also out and determined to make her pay.
‘As Boomer’s happily ever after with her daughter begins to slip out of reach, she’ll have to fight like hell to hold onto her dream…’
Okay I am sat. Already the grittiness and edge of Wentworth sounds like its in place. And a fresh ensemble cast join the three icons, so another set of women for us to get to know!
Jamie Lynn, EVP Co-Production & Distribution, EMEA, Commercial and International at Fremantle, said: ‘Wentworth has become an enduring global drama franchise with an incredibly loyal fanbase, and Beyond Bars marks an exciting new chapter.
‘It takes the characters and world audiences know and love in a bold new direction, while retaining the edge and intensity that have always been at the heart of the series. We’re delighted to be working with 5 to bring the franchise back to UK audiences.’
Greg Barnett, Commissioning Editor at 5, added: ‘Katrina, Nicole and Kate have created globally iconic characters and I am delighted they are returning to start a new chapter outside of Wentworth Prison, alongside brand new characters viewers will learn to love and hate.
‘The ultimate prize is their permanent freedom. It’s not about getting out, it’s about staying out. Beyond Bars is intense and relentless in its twists and turns. Loyal Wentworth Prison fans and new viewers will be on the edge of their seats.’
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