David Tennant, Jo Joyner and Siobhan Finneran are among the stars facing tense and tough situations in the upcoming season of Time.
The hit BBC drama explores the realities of the UK prison system, and its third series will examine young offender institutions (YOI) and the impact locking up teenagers has on them and their families.
Award-winning actor Tennant is one of the new faces joining the series, and he will play veteran prison officer Bobby Bailey, who works as a custodial manager at a YOI.
In a first look at the highly anticipated series, The Rivals star is seen searching teenage offender James (Louis McCartney), who has been locked up for an unforgivable act of violence.
Tennant’s character is said to be in the midst of a personal crisis and battling with guilt after a tragedy in the prison – which he clashes with prison chaplain Marie-Louise O’Dell over.
O’Dell, played by Happy Valley star Finneran, was in series two working as a spiritual anchor for the inmates in a women’s prison.
The beloved character has arrived at the YOI after losing her faith, and looks tense as she stares behind bars and is seen in deep conversation with Bailey.
Soap star Joyner, best known for her role in EastEnders, is also among the newcomers to the series and will play Nicola.
Few details have been revealed about her character, but in the preview she is seen wearing a slick-back hairstyle, a hoodie and hoop earrings.
Actress Vinette Robinson, known for Sherlock, Doctor Who and Boiling Point, will play Erica – who is seen wearing a white robe as she tensely stares at her reflection in a mirror.
The new series will see young offenders James and Peter (Ollie McNulty) struggle through the first weeks and months of incarceration.
Peter, who is battling with whether family loyalty matters more than telling the truth about the death of an innocent man, is seen holding his YOI uniform as he enters the facility.
James is seen sitting in a cell, while Christopher (played by Chukwubuikem Molokwu) looks tense as he walks through the institution followed by officer Bailey and chaplain O’Dell.
The upcoming series, which has been written by Jimmy McGovern and Samuel Bailey, will consist of three 60-minute episodes.
Time will be available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer later this year, with further details yet to be announced.
