PLAY FOR TODAY RENEWED FOR SECOND SERIES ON CHANNEL 5 FOLLOWING RELAUNCH OF DRAMA ANTHOLOGY STRAND

Channel 5 have ordered a second run of drama anthology strand Play For Today following its relaunch earlier this year. The second run, due to air next year, will consist of six new stories. The recommission was revealed by Broadcast.

Inspired by the iconic Play for Today format, each production will champion new voices and focus on bringing low-income talent into the spotlight behind the scenes in writing, directing and production roles. 

Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor for 5, said: "The response to the first series of Play for Today was extraordinary, not only from audiences but from talent across the industry. This strand is about opening doors to new off-screen talent, taking creative risks, and giving new voices the space to thrive. We’re incredibly proud to expand the strand and discover the next wave of brilliant storytellers."

The second series will include: Wild - set in the Scottish highlands which follows three friends on their annual camping trip; The Quiet Hour - a story set in an NHS hospital during a nightshift; Village Idiot - a comedy about an older woman who resists eviction from her home by train developers.

Also: Closing Time - a story about an undocumented migrant working in his uncle's kebab shop; Tatters - a story about a woman forced between family and her political beliefs, and The Castle - a story about siblings who are left by themselves after their mother vanishes.

More details and casting will be announced in due course.