Australian prison drama Wentworth suspends filming amid the coronavirus pandemic… but fans can expect new episodes in June this year
Australian prison drama Wentworth has suspended filming amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Foxtel and Fremantle plan to start production again in late April, hoping to premiere season eight in June this year.
The mid-season break will be extended, with the first ten episodes airing this year in June and the remaining ten episodes airing in 2021.
‘The health, safety and well-being of our cast, crew and all involved in the production is our priority’: Australian prison drama Wentworth has suspended filming amid the coronavirus pandemic… but fans can expect new episodes in June this year
‘The health, safety and well-being of our cast, crew and all involved in the production is our priority,’ a spokesperson told TV Tonight.
‘Fremantle and Foxtel have made the decision to extend the mid-season break on Wentworth from Monday, March 23 after the completion of filming of the first round of episodes that will broadcast this year.
‘Production is planned to resume in late April and we remain on track to premiere season 8 in June only on Foxtel.’
Fan favourite: Foxtel and Fremantle plan to start production again in late April, hoping to premiere season eight in June this year
The show’s annual self-titled convention in Chicago was postponed until August this year, but dates for the Melbourne event is set to continue in mid-June.
In October 2019, Foxtel’s Executive Director of TV Brian Walsh confirmed they would end Wentworth after the second half of the eighth season.
When filming for the eighth season started in late October, Walsh confirmed that new faces – Kate Box, Zoe Terakes and Jane Hall – would be joining the show.
Cult following! The mid-season break will be extended, with the first ten episodes airing this year in June and the remaining ten episodes airing in 2021. Pictured: Tammy Macintosh and Danielle McCormack
‘Since its debut in 2013, Wentworth boasts a large and loyal worldwide following and continually attracts some of the country’s finest actors and production creatives,’ he told TV Tonight.
‘We are thrilled to welcome Kate, Jane and Zoe on board.’
Kate, who starred in drama series Les Norton, is set to play the character of Lou Kelly, who is a former top dog of Wentworth.
New cast: In October 2019, Foxtel’s Executive Director of TV Brian Walsh confirmed they would end Wentworth after the second half of the eighth season. When filming for the eighth season started in late October, Walsh confirmed that new faces – Kate Box, Zoe Terakes and Jane Hall – would be joining the show
Neighbour star Jane Hall will take on the role of Ann Reynolds, a General Manager who is not afraid to punish the prisoners.
And Zoe Terakes, who previously starred in The End, will play the trans character of ‘Reb’ Keane.
The final season will also feature a number of returning cast members including Pamela Rabe, Kate Atkinson, Leah Purcell and Susie Porter.
She’s back! Wentworth fans can expect many ‘interesting names’ to make appearances in season nine. Pictured: Pamela Rabe as Joan ‘The Freak’ Ferguson