Another trip to Port Devine is on the horizon, with BBC confirming the return of Hope Street for a fifth series – which will include the milestone 50th episode.
The BBC One daytime drama, which has proven incredibly popular with viewers in the UK, the US and beyond, follows the local police department and residents of fictional Northern Irish town Port Devine.
Filmed in Donaghadee on Northern Ireland’s coastline, Hope Street has enjoyed four successful series, which – in addition to the episodic crime stories – all have had their own unique identity.
The first centred on the arrival of the Leila Hussain (Amara Karan), whose presence got everyone talking, while the second saw corrupt detective Al Quinn (Stephen Hagan) join the police force
The third series saw Hollyoaks star Karen Hassan join the show as Jo Lipton, while the fourth, which Metro deemed the show’s best to date, saw some major cast changes take place, with a new inspector in the form of Derry Girls’ Tara-Lynne O’Neill.
It’s been quite some time since the latest season concluded and fans were left wondering about the show’s future but I am pleased to report that Hope Street will return.
Filming is imminently set to commence in Donaghadee for the fifth series, which will feature the milestone 50th episode.
Fan-favourites Kerri Quinn (Marleen Pettigrew), Niamh McGrady (Nicole Devine-Dunwoody), Aaron McCusker (Clint Devine-Dunwoody), Finnian Garbutt (Ryan Power), Tara Lynne O’Neill (Eve Dunlop) will all return.
Also returning are last season’s favourites, Eleanor Methven (Lois Dunlop), Paddy Jenkins (Seamie McCarthy), Katie Shortt (Brandi McClure), Marcus Onilude (Luke Jackson), RhéAna Kamalu (Chloe Jackson) and Jonny Grogan (Ross Dunlop).
This season appears to be the first without Callum McCarthy star Niall Wright, who recently joined the cast of Channel 4’s A Woman Of Substance remake.
Much like the previous years, Series 5 of Hope Street will bring along some new faces, with Krypton star Cameron Cuffe joining the cast as Constable Donal Gallagher.
A well-known local rugby player, Donal is confident and charming but his career was cut short by an injury. As the newest member of the Port Devine police department, however, he has found a new zest for life – and will soon make his mark in Port Devine.
Donal isn’t the only newcomer, with The Lovers star Jenn Murray joining the cast as Doctor Sasha Cookson. Sasha, who has taken over her father’s GP surgery, is direct, straight-talking and she wastes little time in rubbing up some of the locals the wrong way.
Donal, however, finds such a thing rather charming – and it’s not long before sparks begin to fly between the two.
The tongues of the Port Devine residents will no doubt be wagging once more!
Discussing the show’s recommission, producer Paul Marquess said: ‘We’re delighted to invite viewers to spend some more time in beautiful Port Devine. The new series opens with a bang (literally) and – as always – combines relatable crime stories with warm and engaging character drama.
‘We’re delighted to welcome back so many Hope Street fan favourites – and to introduce a couple of new characters who will really keep the audience guessing…see you in The Commodore!’
The first four series’ of Hope Street can be streamed for free on BBC iPlayer.
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