CBBC Soccer Drama Renewed

LONDON: CBBC has given a second-season order to its upcoming soccer-themed kids’ drama Jamie Johnson, with the first run due out in time for the Euro 2016 Championships this summer.

Produced by Short Form Film Company, the three-part scripted show’s first season is inspired by the book series written by former Football Association editor Dan Freedman. It follows the titular character as he starts a new school, makes new friends, deals with the school bully and searches for his absent father, eventually making the school’s soccer team.

The series will also feature cameos from known footballers such as Gary Lineker, Ruud Gullit and Roy Carroll.

Cheryl Taylor, controller of CBBC, said: “Jamie Johnson is a wonderful new drama coming to CBBC this summer, tying in perfectly with the Euros. Although the underlying theme is football, the series is not just for football fans. The story lines have a really wide appeal for all the family.

“We’re also delighted to announce that Jamie Johnson has been recommissioned for a second series with production starting this August.”

Series director Joe Talbot remarked: “From the first time we read the books we knew Jamie Johnson needed to be taken to the screen. It resonated with us as filmmakers, aspiring footballers, and brought back fond memories of school life. We were delighted that CBBC shared our vision of creating a new drama series which we hope encapsulates the hopes, fears, pain and joy of our central character Jamie and all those who inhabit his wonderful world.”

Freedmam added: “Children all over the country have been telling me just how excited they are about Jamie Johnson being brought to life and now they are going to see a cool, original, edgy drama that will speak to them on so many levels. I think the audience are going to absolutely love it.”