THe 10-part series will centre on Bea Smith (Danielle Cormack, Underbelly: Razor) and Franky Doyle (Nicole Da Silva, Rush), inmates in the Wentworth Correctional Centre.
The seriesis described as a “graphic, edgy reboot” set in the violent, dangerous environment of a modern prison.
Distributors FremantleMedia International say early screenings in Australia “have created a ground swell of excitement”.
Katie Keenan, Head of Acquisitions at Channel 5, said, “Wentworth will be a great addition to Channel 5’s drama output this autumn. This compelling cast of female characters packs an emotional punch and will appeal to the Channel 5 viewers who love our range of crime output from dramas to factual series”
Justin Hatfield, SVP Sales UK, Eire & Scandinavia at FremantleMedia International, said, “I’m thrilled to bring this gripping series to UK audiences on Channel 5, a channel that has such a strong reputation for diverse drama content.”
A FremantleMedia Australia production, Wentworth is due to premier on Foxtel’s SoHo channel in May this year and pre-sold to TVNZ in New Zealand prior to its international launch.