OUTLANDER ICON JOINS DOCTOR WHO AND DOWNTON ABBEY STARS FOR NEXT TV ROLE

Outlander is set to conclude with its eighth series, and the renowned cast are already securing their future roles.

Richard Rankin, known for his portrayal of Roger MacKenzie in all but the first series of the popular Starz show, has recently signed on to a much-anticipated adaptation of a cherished classic.

Ahead of the premiere of the first series, Channel 5 and Masterpiece have confirmed this week that a second series of Debbie Horsfield's The Forsytes is already underway. Starring Millie Gibson, known for Doctor Who, and Downton Abbey's Tuppence Middleton, this reinterpretation of John Galsworthy's classic novel series The Forsyte Saga will air on Channel 5 later this year.

American viewers will be able to watch next year on MASTERPIECE on PBS, with the second series currently being filmed in and around Bristol. Rankin is the latest television veteran to join the cast for the sequel, alongside Jonathan Creek's Sarah Alexander and Nia Ashi, the rising star from Bob Marley: One Love.

Returning cast members include Middleton and Gibson, as well as Eleanor Tomlinson, Francesca Annis, Jack Davenport, Tom Durant Prichard, Naomi Frederick, Jamie Flatters, Danny Griffin, Owen Igiehon, Eleanor Jackson, Justine Moore, Stephen Moyer and Joshua Orpin.

Emmy Award-winning actress Susan Hampshire, who starred in the classic BBC version of the drama from the 1960s, will also feature.

Outlander sensation Rankin is set to embark on his first fresh endeavour following the conclusion of the beloved time-warp series, with the eighth instalment slated for next year, reports the Scottish Daily Express.

The forthcoming season two synopsis of The Forsytes teases: "In this next chapter the proud dynasty faces a new era of scandal, ambition, and shifting loyalties.

"As love, legacy and reputation collide, the cracks in the family's polished facade grow ever deeper."

Channel 5's Commissioning Editor for Drama, Paul Testar, announced, "We are excited to announce that production has begun 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 rich and compelling series."

Adding to the excitement, Mammoth Screen's CCO and Founder Damien Timmer enthused: "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."

Previously, ITV aired the Forsyte saga adaptation starring Gina McKee and Damian Lewis during 2002-2003.

With IMDb users hailing the series as "engrossing" and "flawless", audiences are in for another captivating period drama when the updated iteration premieres.

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

2025-06-13T08:46:47Z