5 is rebooting a classic BBC drama format, and it has signed up a bunch of EastEnders stars.
The channel is bringing back the Play for Today, which originally aired over 300 instalments (running between 50 and 100 minutes each) between the years of 1970 and 1984.
5 is reviving the format with the aim of showcasing new talent and providing experience to people from lower-income backgrounds.
What to Read Next
Details for the first four plays have been revealed, with plenty of familiar faces in the casts.
First of all, there’s Never Too Late, a drama about a rebellious older woman who is reluctantly moved into a retirement village.
She clashes with the other residents and what she sees as an oppressive system, before a chance encounter forces her to examine her life, past and presents.
EastEnders legend Anita Dobson leads the cast, which includes fellow former Albert Square actors Nina Wadia, Michael Fenton Stevens, Natasha Williams, and Tracy-Ann Oberman.
Nigel Havers, who appeared in rival soap Coronation Street, also stars.
The synopsis describes the play as “a story about second chances, unlikely friendships, and how the messy, defiant reality that life – and love – don’t end with retirement”.
Jessica Plummer, who also had a major EastEnders role a few years back, leads Special Measures. Set in an underfunded, struggling school, the play follows a deputy head of English who has to step up after her boss abruptly quits… on the day of an Ofsted inspection!
Fellow Corrie star Paul Copley and The Royle Family‘s Sue Johnston lead Big Winners, about a couple who win millions of pounds in the lottery. But it’s not the only huge change in their lives, as one of them announces they want a divorce.
Finally, there’s Intruder. The reclusive life of a former national treasure is disturbed when a barefoot and bloodied man turns up at his door in the night, and threatens to unravel long-buried secrets.
Comedian Alan Davies stars in this one, alongside Knock at the Cabin‘s Nikki Amuka-Bird and newcomer Logan Mersh.
