Since its third series came to an end in 2020, fans of BBC’s The A Word have been desperate for more. Now, creator Peter Bowker has granted their wishes and the spin-off series, Ralph & Katie, will begin on Wednesday, October 5.
As the title suggests, the new series tells the story of The A Word’s well-loved characters Ralph Wilson and new wife Katie, both of whom have Down Syndrome. During the original run, viewers saw the couple grow close and eventually get married. The spin-off show will focus on their first year of marriage and see them get to grips with the challenges faced by all newlyweds.
Here is everything you need to know about Ralph & Katie - the new spin-off to smash hit, The A Word. You can get more TV news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
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When is it on?
Ralph & Katie begins on Wednesday, October 5 on BBC One at 9pm. Each episode of the series will be 30 minutes long and be released in double bills. The series will also be available as a box set on BBC iPlayer.
What is the plot?
The new series, which is written by disabled writers, has shared its official plot. It reads:
“Following on from their wedding in series three of The A Word, Ralph and his new wife Katie embark on the biggest adventure of their lives. But they have to get to grips with various challenges during their first year of married life, and each episode will feature a different story focusing on the domestic challenges that are faced by all newlyweds, but with the added fact that Ralph and Katie have Down’s Syndrome.
“Ralph and Katie have set up home together and are trying to tackle domesticity, romance and regular visits from Ralph’s fierce but doting mum Louise and Katie’s anxious parents Clare and Steve. While family friend Tom is on hand to offer advice, we'll also meet new faces including dedicated Danny, the couple’s support worker, and Katie’s pal Emma, who works with her at a bakery.”
Who is in the cast?
The A Word stars Sarah Gordy (Katie), Leon Harrop (Ralph) and Pooky Quesnel (Louise) all reprise their roles from the original show. There is also a welcome return for Matt Greenwood, who returns to his role as Tom in the series.
New faces include Craig Cash (The Royle Family, The Fast Show, Gogglebox) as their neighbour Brian, Dylan Brady (Get Even, Coronation Street) as Dan, Jamie Marie Leary (Traces) as Emma, Sam Retford (Screw, Ackley Bridge) as Gary and Daniel Cerqueira (Pennyworth, The Spanish Princess) as Dr Graves.
Where is Ralph & Katie filmed?
Much like its predecessor The A Word, Ralph & Katie is filmed in the Lake District and Manchester’s Space Studios. It was filmed in the first half of 2022. Ralph & Katie begins on BBC One at 9pm on Wednesday, October 5.
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