The A Word series 3 of hit BBC One drama begins filming

Filming has started on series 3 of BBC One drama The A Word.

The A Word, set in the spectacular setting of the Lakes, is the heartfelt family drama which has Joe, a boy with autism, at its heart.

Developed and written by Peter Bowker, filming of new episodes has kicked off in the Lake District and Manchester.

The Series 3 cast will see Max Vento (Joe), Morven Christie (Alison), Lee Ingleby (Paul), Greg McHugh (Eddie), Molly Wright (Rebecca), Pooky Quesnel (Louise), Leon Harrop (Ralph) and Christopher Eccleston (Maurice) all reprise their roles.

They will be joined by some new faces including Julie Hesmondhalgh (Broadchurch, Coronation Street) Sarah Gordy (Call The Midwife, Holby City) and David Gyasi (Troy: Fall Of A City, Man In An Orange Shirt).

The BBC tease of the first new episodes since 2017: “Two years on and things have changed for our A Word family. Joe is 10 and living in two places at once, processing the seismic change in his life through the filter of his autism.

“Alison and Paul are divorced and live 100 miles apart. Nicola has moved to London. Eddie lives with his dad. Rebecca has just realised she’s pregnant. Only Maurice is holding it together. And if Maurice is the one holding it together, you know you are in trouble. A family is always a puzzle and this one needs piecing back together, albeit in a different shape.”

Peter Bowker said: “It is a joy to be revisiting the world of the A Word, to move the story of the Hughes family on, and to have the opportunity to expand our celebration and examination of diversity and humanity in all its myriad forms.

“The BBC has been incredibly supportive of this show and deserve our thanks and support at a time when it continues to be attacked on behalf of the ignorant by those who should know better.”

Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, added: “The A Word has become a firm favourite with the BBC One audience telling a unique and poignant story in an original and entertaining way.

“We are excited filming has now begun on a third series and look forward to picking up with Joe and the family two years on and seeing what challenges and adventures lay ahead for them.”