IMAGE PROVIDED BY CHANNEL 5
The series is a gritty reboot of classic Australian series Prisoner (known as Prisoner Cell Block H in the UK) and takes place in the Wentworth Correctional Centre.
Set against a backdrop of the violent, dangerous world of the modern prison system, the series looks at the struggles and fractious personal lives of Wentworth’s inmates, including lead characters Bea Smith (Danielle Cormack, Underbelly: Razor) and Franky Doyle (Nicole da Silva, Rush).
The first series, currently airing on Channel 5, has drawn audiences of more than 2m and is now available to pre-order on DVD.
Fans are being warned they’ll need to wait until next year’s second series for a conclusion to the cliff-hanger. Season two will also introduce viewers to Wentworth’s menacing new officer: Joan “The Freak” Ferguson (Pamela Rabe).
The broadcaster has already snapped up the second series.
Channel 5’s Head of Acquisitions Katie Keenan commented “The drama has proved a great success with our viewers. We’re very proud to bring the women of Wentworth Prison back to Channel 5 later next year.”
Justin Hatfield, from series producers FremantleMedia, said: “In the light of the continuing success of the first season, I’m delighted that Channel 5 is rewarding its loyal audience with the second season – which threatens to be even more gritty than the first.”