THE second series of Sky's comedy drama Funny Woman - starring Gemma Arterton - will hit the screens next week - and Star readers should keep a look out for a local landmark once again.
Set in the swinging 1960s, Arterton returns as the nation’s favourite comic actress 'Sophie Straw'.
The series sees Sophie juggle her career, as well as her fledgling romance with Arsher Ali’s 'Dennis Mahindra'.
The Sky Original series "explores the themes of love, gender equality, LGBTQ rights, representation in comedy, all against the backdrop and cultural explosion of the swinging 1960s".
On location in St Helens
Much of the series is filmed in the Merseyside area and the North West, with directors having pinpointed landmarks and backdrops as settings for scenes.
St Helens was used in the first series, with the former Pilkington head office, at Alexandra Business Park, turned into TVC headquarters in the series.
ky has confirmed that the listed building - with its iconic architecture - is again used in the second series.
Funny Woman will air exclusively to Sky Max and streaming service NOW on September 6, 2024.
Who is in the cast?
The second run also welcomes Steve Zissis (The Changeling, Togetherness), Marcus Rutherford (The Wheel of Time, Obey), Tim Key (The Witchfinder, This Time with Alan Partridge), Gemma Whelan (Game of Thrones, The Tower), Roisin Conaty (GameFace, Man Down), Rory Keenan (The Regime, Somewhere Boy), Lydia Wilson (Requiem, About Time), Lydia Leonard (Ten Percent, The Crown), Jack Docherty (Scot Squad, Absolutely), and Josie Lawrence (Father Brown, Midsomer Murders).
Returning cast includes David Threlfall (Shameless) as “George Parker”, Rosie Cavaliero (Code 404) as “Aunt Marie Parker”, Alexa Davies (White House Farm, COBRA) as “Marjorie Harrison”, Matthew Beard (Vienna Blood, Avenue 5) as “Bill Gardiner”, Leo Bill (Becoming Elizabeth) as “Tony”, Clare-Hope Ashitey (Top Boy) as “Diane”, Alistair Petrie (Sex Education) as “Ted Sargeant”, Olivia Williams (The Father, Dune Prophecy) as “Gloria”, Emily Bevan (The Full Monty, Temple) as “Edith Mahindra”, and Doon Mackichan (Good Omens, Two Doors Down) as “Miss Sykes”.
What to expect from the second series
The second series finds Sophie on a high.
She is the nation’s favourite TV comedy star; she’s got a group of good friends and her romance with Dennis is full of promise.
But trouble is just round the corner: Dennis's divorce will take three years; Sophie’s new sitcom flops and she uncovers a devastating family secret. Sophie escapes the turmoil by taking a leading role in a film opposite a glamorous French movie heartthrob.
The film is a hit and Sophie’s slick new US agent offers her a fresh start in Hollywood… but Sophie returns to London, determined to get the gang back together and to create a new show which reflects her real life and challenges outdated cultural conventions.
The former Pilks head office has been used in various shows over recent years. It was used as a hospital in ITV's Maternal and offices in Nolly, a three-parter about Crossroads star Noele Gordon.
Viewers can catch up on Funny Woman Series 1 on Sky Max and streaming service NOW, ahead of the new series dropping later this year.
Do you have a story for the Star? We cover the whole of the St Helens borough and surrounding areas - email news@sthelensstar.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here