The BBC's upcoming period drama California Avenue has announced some additions to its star-studded cast, along with revealing a first look. Joining the previously-announced lead star Erin Doherty (Adolescence, A Thousand Blows) are Kate Robbins (Unforgotten, The Couple Next Door) and Paul Kaye (Small Prophets), as well as newcomer Cammie Liebreich.
They will also star alongside the previously-confirmed Bill Nighy (Harlan Coben's Lazarus), Helena Bonham Carter (The Crown, Nolly), and Tom Burke (BBC's Strike), rounding out an exciting ensemble of actors.
California Avenue, from BAFTA Award-winning writer and director Hugo Blick (The English), has been described as "a story brimming with humour and love" by the BBC. Set in the 1970s in a secluded caravan park that's deep in the English countryside, central character Lela (Doherty) is set to arrive with her 11-year-old child Bee (Liebreich) to shake things up.
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The synopsis reveals that they are both on the run, and looking for refuge. "It is here that a fractured family will come together, ghosts of the past will firmly be put to rest and an unexpected love is forged," it adds.
The first-look pictures give us a good glimpse at the characters that we'll get to know in California Avenue, also evoking a hit of nostalgia thanks to its period costume, which include stripey jumpsuits, bright prints and shaggy cardigans.
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Character details reveal that Bill Nighy and Helena Bonham Carter will play the roles of Lela's parents, Jerry and Eddie. Described as ballroom champions of the 1930s, the pair are wartime runaways in hiding.
What's more, Tom Burke's character Cooper is said to be a fairground outcast, whose "turbulent past will explode into California Avenue".
Meanwhile, Kate Robbins will play Priscilla, described as a "formidable force" who is in charge of the caravan site alongside her husband Kevin, portrayed by Paul Kaye.
In a previous statement, Director of BBC Drama, Lindsay Salt, said: "Hugo Blick has given us some of the finest television of the past three decades and it's an honour to join forces with him alongside Bill, Helena, Erin, Tom and Drama Republic to take BBC viewers on the journey of a lifetime to 1970s California Avenue."
Leading star Erin Doherty has been having a particularly strong few years, with her breakout role in Netflix's Adolescence seeing her awarded with both an Emmy and a Golden Globe. She is also currently nominated for two BAFTAs for her supporting role in the Limited Series, as well as Best Actress in Disney's A Thousand Blows.
California Avenue is coming to BBC iPlayer and BBC One, a release date is yet to be announced.
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TV Editor, Digital Spy Laura has been watching television for over 30 years and professionally writing about entertainment for almost 10 of those. Previously at LOOK and now heading up the TV desk at the UK's biggest TV and movies site Digital Spy, Laura has helped steer conversations around some of the most popular shows on the box. Laura has appeared on Channel 5 News and radio to talk viewing habits and TV recommendations. As well as putting her nerd-level Buffy knowledge to good use during an IRL meet with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Laura also once had afternoon tea with One Direction, has sat around the fire pit of the Love Island villa, spoken to Sir David Attenborough about the world's oceans and even interviewed Rylan from inside the Big Brother house (housemate status, forever pending).
