What to know about Ten Pound Poms series 2 as Michelle Keegan drama returns

BBC One is heading Down Under for a spot of Australian sunshine as period drama Ten Pound Poms makes its return for season two.

The series about a group of Brits moving to Australia in the 1950s which stars Michelle Keegan and Faye Marsay picks up after some of the cliffhangers that showrunner Danny Brocklehurst left us with in 2023's season one.

But while there were some weighty themes in the show's debut, bosses have promised a lighter side to the story in season two. Executive producer Sophie Williams said that Ten Pound Poms offered viewers "escapism", adding: "It's nice to watch something sunny and aspirational when you're sitting at home in the cold."

"Hopefully it will be entertaining, heart wrenching, and fun!" she said. But when is Ten Pound Poms back and what can we expect from the new episodes?

When is Ten Pound Poms season 2 on TV?

Season two of the drama airs on BBC One at 8pm on Sunday, 9 March and will continue weekly.

But if you can't wait to find out what happens next, all episodes from season two are set to drop on BBC iPlayer at 6am on Sunday, where you can also catch up on season one.

What happens in Ten Pound Poms season 2?

Ten Pound Poms follows a group of Brits escaping post-war Britain to embark on a life-changing adventure on the other side of the world. In season two, we'll catch up with nurse Kate Thorne (Michelle Keegan) and the Roberts family (Faye Marsay and Warren Brown) in 1957 as their new life continues.

Creator Danny Brocklehurst explained: "For series two, we had both a problem and an opportunity. The problem was that we'd left a lot of cliffhangers in series one that we needed to resolve...But we also wanted to bring in new stories...We meet a new family who kickstart the new story that thrusts you across the next six episodes."

He added: "There's a consistent theme about not being able to escape yourself. You can go to the other side of the world and try to build a new life in the sunshine but, in the end, you always take yourself with you, and the baggage of yourself comes along too."

For Keegan's character Kate, that includes trying to find a resolution for her son being taken away from her. The actor, who is about to become a mum herself, said: "Kate’s son Michael was sent to Australia in the care system and was adopted into an Australian family, which Kate didn't know. Trying to find him is what took her to Australia. This series is really about Kate trying to expose the fact that her and her son have been separated against her wishes, which happened to so many families and to so many women in the 1950s, it's absolutely heartbreaking. Kate is not just trying to help herself and Michael, but she wants to help others as well and put a stop to families being unnecessarily separated."

Marsay, who plays Annie Roberts, reflected on the challenges facing the characters: "These people sat on a boat for six weeks and then had to make their way in this strange, new country. I have spent a lot of time in Australia now and its beautiful, but completely different to the UK. The climate is different, the creatures are different - and terrifying - and you're so far away from home."

In season two the Roberts have a new baby in the family, but Terry is treading a risky line in his friendship with single mum Christine and her children. The Skinner family have just arrived from Ireland, who will also make a huge impact on the existing characters.

Williams said there would be a lighter touch this time: "Whilst we were very proud of the light and shade in series one, we learnt that we could lean into the lightness a bit more. Tom McKay, who directed block two, has a comedy background and Tom brought that lightness in terms of the work he’s done and the attitude that he brought to set."

Who stars in Ten Pound Poms?

The drama's main characters are nurse Kate Thorne, played by Keegan, and married couple Annie and Terry Roberts, played by Marsay and Warren Brown.

Keegan praised her co-star Marsay, saying: "Working with Faye is like having a masterclass each day. Watching her play Annie is incredible – she’s so talented and she raises the bar on set, which makes me want to try and get there as well! She’s just brilliant, and so generous. She gives you everything, even when the camera is on the person opposite her, she still gives you 110%."

Brown added that starring in the series had been a history lesson for him: "Speaking from my own perspective, the appeal was learning something that was quite crucial to Australian and British history that I didn't know much about.

"It was amazing how many people got in touch whilst we were filming the first series and thereafter, saying that they knew people or they had relatives or that they themselves were Ten Pound Poms. This is a fictional take on that experience, but I think viewers went on the journey with us and fell in love with these characters as they saw the trials and tribulations that came as a result of them moving to the other side of the world."

Other stars appearing in the series include Hattie Hook as the Roberts' daughter Pattie, Finn Treacy as son Peter, and Rob Collins as Ron Mahoney.

The new season two stars include Taylor Fergurson as Christine and Sam Delich, Maya Stange, Tommy James Green and Clare Hughes as the Skinner family.

Where was Ten Pound Poms filmed?

The cast and crew know that a big part of the appeal of Ten Pound Poms for viewers is the beautiful landscape of Australia.

Keegan said: "We’ve returned to the camp Galgownie location in Scheyville, which is an hour and a half drive each morning from Sydney, but it's worth it because it’s so beautiful. We've filmed a lot around Sydney, but my favourite location this series has to be the Blue Mountains as they are absolutely stunning. I've seen so many photographs, but when you experience them in real life, the scenery is just breathtaking. We filmed really high up on a cliffside that overlooked the landscape – it was definitely a pinch me moment!"

Brocklehurst agreed: "We love Galgownie camp, but we also wanted to get out of it more in series two. There are so many wonderful places around Sydney where we wanted to film. For instance, the Blue Mountains are amazing, and we loved it there. It hasn’t changed that much from the 50s, so I thought it was a perfect place to set a romantic trip."

The job also offered Keegan a chance to see more of the world, as she explained: "If it wasn't for Ten Pound Poms, I probably wouldn't ever have travelled to Australia because it's so far from the UK, but having the opportunity to work here and explore Australia at the same time is amazing. I’ve loved Sydney – you have the beach, the city and the bush all within driving distance.

"This trip I've really travelled and explored a little bit more. We rented a car, so every weekend we went to different places. I think one of our favourite places we visited was the Hunter Valley - wine country. We stayed there for a couple of nights and spent time wandering around the vineyards. We’d wake up in the morning and see kangaroos across the fields. It was just a truly lovely experience and something I think we’ll both look back on in years to come and remember how good it was."

Marsay added: "I enjoy the sunshine and Sydney has some of the best food I’ve tasted. The fact that you can be near the water in a major city, and find pockets of peace is something I don’t get as much of in London. The coastline is stunning and the city is vibrant. I miss the people - Australian crews are some of the best I’ve worked with. Plus, I miss the weather and the food for sure; the creatures that kill you, not so much!"

Ten Pound Poms returns to BBC One at 8pm on Sunday, with all episodes available on BBC iPlayer from 6am on Sunday.