The Famous Five: next episode, cast, plot and everything we know

The Famous Five has been reimagined for BBC, with the new series based on the beloved Enid Blyton classic stories.

This adaptation is created by Danish film director Nicolas Winding Refn, who is known for his work on movies such as Drive and Only God Forgives, so this series is a little different to his previous work!

Speaking about making it, Refn said: "All my life I've fought vigorously to remain a child with a lust for adventure. By reimagining The Famous Five, I am preserving that notion by bringing these iconic stories to life for a progressive new audience, instilling the undefinable allure and enchantment of childhood for current and future generations to come."

James Lance, who plays fiery Uncle Quentin, thinks the show will appeal to modern-day kids, telling What to Watch: "I think it might ignite kids to go on adventures more, and not have technology to interfere with it. I was watching it last night and the first 10 to 15 minutes was just so brilliant, honestly. And there's loads more to come. It really does hold up."

Here's everything we know about The Famous Five...

The Famous Five release date

Episode one, The Curse of Kirrin Island has already aired and is available to watch on demand via iPlayer.

Episode two, titled Peril On The Night Train is airing on CBBC on Friday, March 29 at 5:30 pm, and will also air on BBC One on Easter Monday.

A third episode, The Eye Of The Sunrise will air later in 2024 with a release date to be confirmed.

The Famous Five plot

The plot for BBC's The Famous Five reads: "The series follows five daring young explorers as they encounter treacherous, action-packed adventures, remarkable mysteries, unparalleled danger, and astounding secrets in an unforgettable odyssey that evokes the power of camaraderie between the fearless young heroes."

The first film opens in the summer of 1939 with a body washing up on the beach, apparently the victim of a local curse. Cousins George, Julian, Dick and Anne, accompanied by Timmy the dog, set out to discover the source of the problem — an uninhabited island that belongs to the family.

Meanwhile, the second episode sees Uncle Quentin preoccupied with the invention of his proto-computer and Aunt Fanny working on a new mystery novel, while George, Julian, Dick, Anne, and Timmy are kept out of trouble by the "exasperatingly dreary" home tutor Mr Roland, who teaches them about the Corn Laws for days on end.

But their mystery-solving prowess is reactivated when a ghost hunt in the cottage turns into a cross-country caper...

The Famous Five cast

The cast of The Famous Five sees Don't Breathe 2's Diaana Babnicova as George, The Northman's Elliott Rose as Julian, The Midwich Cuckoos' Kit Rakusen as Dick, and Flora Jacoby Richardson as Anne.

Of course, it's no Famous Five without the iconic sidekick Timmy the Dog. He's played by a Bearded Collie Cross named Kip, who is sure to steal the show when the series lands on our screens!

Of the casting, director Tim Kirkby and Executive Producer added: “Our brilliant young cast are mind-blowingly talented and, along with Kip (playing Timmy), they are already bringing these gorgeous characters to life in a fresh and modern way. Together with the brilliant Jack, Ann, James and Diana we can’t wait to bring these glorious, action-filled, epic, family adventures to the screen."

But that's not all, the supporting cast includes Game of Thrones star Jack Gleeson, who is known for his portrayal of the evil Joffrey Baratheon in the hit HBO series.

He's playing the role of Wentworth and is joined by Moon Knight's Ann Akinjirin as Fanny, Ted Lasso's James Lance as Quentin, and Father Brown's Diana Quick as Mrs Wentworth.

Further casting has been announced for the second and third episodes with Ed Speleers (Downton Abbey) as Mr Roland and Nora Arnezeder (Army of the Dead) as Sabrina Grover joining for episode two.

Meanwhile, Jason Flemyng (Snatch) as circus magician the Great Supremo and Art Malik (True Lies) as Sir Lincoln Aubrey in episode 3.

Is there a trailer?

Yep!