First day of filming on the third series of Hope Street, with newcomers Karen Hassan and Finnian Garbutt having joined series regulars Ciaran McMenamin and Niall Wright for a snap (Picture: BBC)
The cameras have started rolling on Hope Street once again, with Hollyoaks star Karen Hassan having joined the popular daytime drama for its upcoming third series.
The actress, who is best known for playing Lynsey Nolan in Hollyoaks, joined regulars Ciarán McMenamin (Finn O’Hare), Niall Wright (Callum McCarthy) and newcomer Finnian Garbutt on the first day of filming.
The BBC One serial drama, which centres on the lives of residents and the police department of seaside town Port Devine, proved incredibly popular with viewers in the UK and beyond, so much so that it was recommissioned for a third series last month, this time with an extended run of 15 episodes.
Much like the previous series, the upcoming season will explore the trials and tribulations of the Port Devine police department, while also exploring more about the personal lives of those on the force.
Ciarán McMenamin will be reprising his role as Inspector Finn O’Hare, with Bríd Brennan (Concepta O’Hare), Des McAleer (Barry Pettigrew), Kerri Quinn (Marlene Pettigrew), Niall Wright (Callum McCarthy), Aaron McCusker (Clint Dunwoody), Niamh McGrady (Nicole Devine), Rachel Tucker (Siobhan O’Hare), Sade Malone (Taylor Quinn), Louis McCartney (Shay O’Hare) and Ellie Lavery (Niamh O’Hare) all set to return.
Karen Hassan, meanwhile, will join the show as new charter Jo Lipton. The actress, who has also starred in Vikings and The Fall, is fondly remembered for her work on Hollyoaks, with Lynsey Nolan’s demise being one of the most shocking to have ever occurred in a soap.
Hope Street will be back for a third series (Picture: BBC / Long Story TV / Jack McGuire)
Prior to her on-screen death, viewers had no reason to believe that Lynsey would be killed, and Karen hadn’t made any announcement about leaving the show, with a Whodunit storyline subsequently ensuing.
‘I’ve had my first day filming in Hope Street and the crew and cast were so warm and welcoming I already feel part of the ‘Port Devine’ furniture,’ said Karan on day one of filming. ‘Hoping Jo makes a big splash.’
Karen Hassan played Lynsey Nolan in Hollyoaks (Picture: Lime Pictures)
Finnian Garbutt, who appeared in Casualty, will portray PC Ryan Power on Hope Street’s upcoming new series.
‘As a big fan of season one and two of Hope Street, I’m delighted and grateful to be joining the cast in Port Devine. I can’t wait to bring PC Ryan Power to life!’.
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Ciarán also spoke of his ‘delight’ over Hope Street’s return, assuring viewers that there would be ‘more drama’ and ‘huge new twists’ due to the extended episode count. ‘Can’t wait to get started and buzzing for another whole summer at home’, he added.
Hope Street will return to screens for a third series. The second series continues Fridays at 1:45pm on BBC One or stream the whole series on BBC iPlayer right now.
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MORE : Hope Street series 3: BBC One daytime drama recommissioned for an extended third series
The cameras have started rolling on Hope Street once again, and there are some new faces in Port Devine.