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Irish Examiner

Familiar face to return for new series of The Young Offenders

Rumours of the return of The Young Offenders have been circulating for weeks, but now it has been confirmed that the much-loved Cork-set show will indeed be back for a fifth season, complete with more scenes featuring one of the original stars. Chris Walley (Jock) was barely seen in the last series as he had other filming commitments, but the Glanmire actor is back in a full role for the new run. His character will be rejoining his old mate Conor (Alex Murphy), and the rogue-ish duo have even more in common this time around, having both spent time in prison. Stalwarts such as Hilary Rose (Mairéad), Shane Casey (Billy Murphy), and Demi Isaac (Linda) also return for the six-part series that's soon to begin production in Cork. The series is again produced by Vico Films, and is commissioned by the BBC, in association with RTÉ. Filming on a previous series of The Young Offenders. Jon Petrie, BBC director of comedy, said the British broadcaster was thrilled to reunite Conor and Jock in Cork. 'This fifth series is brimming with the wild heart, raucous charm and razor-sharp wit that have made The Young Offenders a true fan favourite,' said Petrie. Peter Foott, who created the hugely-popular original film in 2016, is also delighted to be working on another series. 'We have the funniest, most heart-warming stories in the new season that will show Conor and Jock getting into scrapes like never before,' says the writer/director who is also working on an unrelated feature film set in Castlecove, Co Kerry. While lead roles in The Young Offenders are already filled, the producers are still casting for a few characters, and have invited applicants to submit an audition via Meanwhile, BBC has confirmed it has commissioned another Irish drama series, with filming already under way on an adaptation of Rónán Hession's novel, Leonard and Hungry Paul. Jamie-Lee O'Donnell is to feature in the cast of Leonard And Hungry Paul. The Dublin author received widespread praise and a slew of awards following the 2019 publication of the endearing tale of two board-gaming friends. The cast for the six-part series will include Jamie-Lee O'Donnell (Michelle in Derry Girls). No broadcast date has yet been confirmed for either series. Read More Young Offenders creator Peter Foott to make new film set in Kerry