BBC’s ’70s period drama set in the English countryside confirms new cast with first look

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BBC’s new period drama, California Avenue, has revealed some new cast members and a sneak peek. Joining lead actress Erin Doherty (known for Adolescence and A Thousand Blows) are Kate Robbins (Unforgotten, The Couple Next Door), Paul Kaye (Small Prophets), and up-and-coming actress Cammie Liebreich.

Joining Bill Nighy (known for Lazarus), Helena Bonham Carter (The Crown, Nolly), and Tom Burke (Strike), these actors complete a fantastic cast for the project.

Hugo Blick, the award-winning creator of The English, brings us California Avenue, a new story the BBC calls funny and heartwarming. Set in the 1970s at a remote caravan park in the English countryside, the series follows Lela (Doherty) and her 11-year-old daughter, Bee (Liebreich), as their arrival promises to change everything.

The story follows two people fleeing from something and searching for a safe haven. As they do, a broken family will reconnect, old hurts will be healed, and a surprising romance will blossom.

The initial images from California Avenue offer a first look at the show’s characters and create a nostalgic feel with its 1970s-inspired costumes – think striped jumpsuits, bold patterns, and cozy, shaggy cardigans.

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Bill Nighy and Helena Bonham Carter will portray Lela’s parents, Jerry and Eddie. They’re depicted as skilled ballroom dancers who were champions in the 1930s, and who went into hiding during the war.

Tom Burke plays Cooper, a loner with a troubled history who’s expected to cause trouble when his past catches up with him on California Avenue.

Kate Robbins will play Priscilla, a strong and commanding woman who runs the caravan site with her husband, Kevin, played by Paul Kaye.

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, previously praised Hugo Blick as one of the creators of the best TV shows in the last thirty years. She expressed excitement about working with Blick, along with Bill, Helena, Erin, Tom, and Drama Republic, to bring BBC viewers a compelling new series set on California Avenue in the 1970s.

Erin Doherty is having a remarkable run as an actress. She gained widespread recognition and won both an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her role in the Netflix series Adolescence. Currently, she’s nominated for two BAFTAs – one for her supporting role in a Limited Series and another for Best Actress in Disney’s A Thousand Blows.

California Avenue is coming to BBC iPlayer and BBC One, a release date is yet to be announced.

The latest issue of Living Legends is now available! This special 100-page, full-color magazine celebrates the life and work of Sir David Attenborough. You can find it at newsstands or purchase it online.

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2026-04-23 13:49