The A Word Set for Third Season on BBC One

BBC One has recommissioned the Peter Bowker family drama The A Word for a third season, and filming on the series has begun.

The A Word, based on the Israeli drama Yellow Peppers, follows the Hughes family as they receive news that their son Joe is autistic. Season three will see many cast members reprising their roles in the family, including Max Vento, Morven Christie, Lee Ingleby, Greg McHugh, Molly Wright, Pooky Quesnel, Leon Harrop and Christopher Eccleston.

Some new faces are also coming on board for the series’ third round, 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 third season picks up two years on as Joe is living in two places at once; Alison and Paul are divorced, living 100 miles apart; Nicola has moved to London; Eddie lives with his dad; and Rebecca has just found out she’s pregnant.

The A Word is written by the BAFTA-winning Bowker, produced by Fifty Fathoms and Keshet Productions UK and distributed by Keshet International.

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 deserves 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, said, “The A Word has become a firm favorite 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.”