Filming begins next month on the second series of Bridget Christie’s critically acclaimed, BAFTA and RTS-nominated comedy hit, The Change, produced by Expectation, and will be directed by Mackenzie Crook (Detectorists, The Office, Pirates of the Caribbean).
Mackenzie Crook expressed his excitement about the project: “The Change was my favourite TV show of 2023, and so to find myself directing Series 2 feels like winning a competition. My prize includes Bridget’s beautifully crafted scripts, a cast of comedy legends, and a summer of filming in the glorious British countryside. What a privilege to be working with Expectation and to be back on Channel 4 where I started my career.”
Bridget Christie, the creator of The Change, shared her enthusiasm: “Detectorists was my favourite British TV show of the past decade and was a huge influence on The Change, so to have Mackenzie directing the second series feels like a mad dream. I can’t think of anyone better suited to direct.”
Morwenna Gordon, Executive Producer at Expectation, added: “We’re thrilled that Mackenzie is joining the team for the second series of The Change. He and Bridget have such a shared sensibility and love for beautiful, funny, profound stories, set against the backdrop of the gorgeous British countryside. Along with our stellar cast, this feels like the perfect partnership.”
The star-studded cast returning to the Forest of Dean includes Susan Lynch as Eel Sister Agnes, Tanya Moodie as DJ Joy, Liza Tarbuck as Linda’s older, domineering sister Siobhain, Jim Howick as The Verderer, Jerome Flynn as Pig Man, Paul Whitehouse as Tony, and Omid Djalili reprising his role as Linda’s husband Steve. Laura Checkley (King Gary, Detectorists) joins the new series as Eel Sister Theresa.
In series two, Linda (played by Bridget Christie) faces the repercussions of the lies she’s told the forest community, along with losing the Mother Tree and the arrival of her husband Steve, who has come to bring her home. Linda’s future in the forest looks uncertain, but she’s already come a long way since being mother/wife/homemaker Linda Jane Jenkins of Swindon. As Eel Queen for a day, something has changed in Linda, and she’s not done yet – in fact, she’s only just started. Little does she realize the impact this decision will have on the town and Steve.
The Change series two was commissioned by Charlie Perkins, Head of Comedy, and Laura Riseam, Commissioning Editor for Comedy at Channel 4. The series is produced by Expectation, with executive producers Bridget Christie, Nerys Evans, and Morwenna Gordon. Lisa Mitchell serves as the producer.
