Outlander icon joins Doctor Who and Downton Abbey stars for next TV role

Importance Score: 35 / 100 πŸ”΅

With Outlander concluding after its eighth season, the talented cast members are already securing their next roles. Richard Rankin, widely recognized for his role as Roger MacKenzie in the acclaimed Starz program, will appear in a highly anticipated adaptation of a celebrated literary work. News about Richard Rankin joining The Forsytes highlights excitement in the television adaptation landscape.

Second Instalment of ‘The Forsytes’ Confirmed

Prior to the initial series premiere, Channel 5 and Masterpiece have publicly stated that a second season of Debbie Horsfield’s The Forsytes is in development. Featuring Millie Gibson (Doctor Who) and Tuppence Middleton (Downton Abbey), this fresh take on John Galsworthy’s renowned novel series, The Forsyte Saga, is scheduled to broadcast on Channel 5 later this year. The show will air on MASTERPIECE on PBS in America next year.

Filming Underway in Bristol

Filming for the second series is currently taking place in and around Bristol. Rankin joins a cast that welcomes veterans such as Sarah Alexander (Jonathan Creek) and rising star Nia Ashi (Bob Marley: One Love). Returning performers include Middleton and Gibson, alongside:

  • Eleanor Tomlinson
  • Francesca Annis
  • Jack Davenport
  • Tom Durant Prichard
  • Naomi Frederick
  • Jamie Flatters
  • Danny Griffin
  • Owen Igiehon
  • Eleanor Jackson
  • Justine Moore
  • Stephen Moyer
  • Joshua Orpin

Susan Hampshire Returns

Emmy Award-winning actress Susan Hampshire, who starred in the classic BBC version from the 1960s, will also make an appearance, bridging the gap between the adaptations.

Richard Rankin’s New Endeavor

Rankin is embarking on his first new project following the finale of the popular time-travel series, Outlander. The eighth and final season is slated to air next year.

A Glimpse into Season Two

The synopsis for the upcoming second season of The Forsytes reads:

β€œIn this next chapter, the proud dynasty faces a new era of scandal, ambition, and shifting allegiances. As love, legacy, and reputation collide, the cracks in the family’s polished faΓ§ade grow ever deeper.”

Statements from Channel 5 and Mammoth Screen

Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor for Drama at Channel 5, remarked, “We are thrilled to announce that filming has commenced on the second series of The Forsytes. With the first series set to air soon, this early commitment to a second chapter is a testament to the strength of the stories and characters that we know our audience will embrace. We look forward to sharing even more of this compelling series.”

Damien Timmer, CCO and Founder of Mammoth Screen, added, “We can’t wait for the world to see series 1 of The Forsytes, and we’re so pleased to be getting ahead of ourselves and starting on this thrilling second series with Debbie Horsfield’s irresistible scripts and our glorious – and ever expanding – cast.”

Previous Adaptations and Audience Anticipation

Previously, ITV broadcasted The Forsyte Saga adaptation starring Gina McKee and Damian Lewis during 2002-2003.

With IMDb users describing the series as “engrossing” and “flawless”, audiences are anticipating another captivating period drama when the updated version premieres.

The Forsytes season 1 will be released later this year on Channel 5 and in 2026 on MASTERPIECE on PBS. Outlander is available to stream on MGM+ via Prime Video.


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