THE COCKFIELDS RENEWED FOR SECOND SERIES ON GOLD

The nation's favourite comedy channel Gold today announces that Gregor Fisher will return to the world of sitcom to join the cast of The Cockfields as it is commissioned for a second series (6x30'). Fisher takes on the role of Ray, originated by the late Bobby Ball.

The Cockfields stars Wilkinson as Simon, visiting his ever-doting mother (Sue Johnston), his controlling yet well-meaning stepfather (Fisher) and his celebrity-obsessed stepbrother ( Ben Rufus Green) at their home on the Isle of Wight. Also joining the cast for the second series are -Susannah Fielding, playing Simon's new girlfriend Esther, Greg McHugh as his old schoolfriend Tony and Michele Dotrice who adopts the role of Lyn, originally played by Maggie Steed.

Writers Joe Wilkinson and David Earl said: "Thank you Gold loads for giving us a second series and supporting the show. We're so chuffed to finally be making more episodes of The Cockfields - although our mate Simon isn't, whose surname we nicked for the show. He's actually quite annoyed, as it goes. We also want to mention how sad it was to lose Bobby last year, and what an honour it was to work with him. A brilliantly funny man."

Pete Thornton , UKTV head of scripted, said: "It feels like a long time since we last dropped in on The Cockfields so I'm delighted to be back in business with the team behind the first three smash hit episodes, and to be bringing this very special show back for a second series. At last we're going to be allowed the opportunity to properly get to know this extraordinary family - and I know from the early drafts of Joe Wilkinson and David Earl's remarkable scripts that fans of series one are in for an absolute treat."

Series two of The Cockfields will air on Gold later this year.