Sanjeev Bhaskar comedy returns on Gold

The Gold TV channel has commissioned a second series of its seaside comedy-drama Sandylands.

Sanjeev Bhaskar is to return as Les Vegas – an amusement arcade owner who disappeared at sea in a pedalo, although it was soon revealed he had faked his own death – with Natalie Dew as his daughter Emily.

Friday Night Dinner and Toast of London star Tracy-Ann Oberman joins the comedy for the series as Donna Vegas, Emily’s estranged mother and ‘diva extraordinaire’.

Returning cast members include David Walliams and Sophie Thompson as oddball next-door neighbours Derek and Jeannie Swallows, Simon Bird as police officer Nathan Wild, Craig Parkinson as nightclub owner Terry Chino and Harriet Webb as Emily’s friend Tina.

Three new 40-minute episodes have been commissioned from Walliams’ company King Bert Productions.

In a statement, writers Martin Collins and Alex Finch, who are also known for their sketch group This Glorious Monster, said: "We are so excited to be back in Sandylands. We’ve got in store for our incredible cast and are absolutely delighted to be welcoming some amazing new faces on a return trip to the beautiful British seaside.’

Pete Thornton, UKTV’s head of scripted programmes, said: ‘Sandylands is a special place for me, and I’m really pleased to finally be returning to it after the long winter months of lockdown.

‘Series one introduced us to a clutch of highly original characters played by an extraordinarily talented cast, and I know the Gold audience will be looking forward to their further adventures, as imagined by two of our most original comic minds, Alex Finch and Martin Collins.'

Made by: King Bert Productions
Written by: Martin Collins and Alex Finch
Commissioned by: Pete Thornton, UK head of scripted, and ordered by Gerald Casey, channel director for Gold
Directed by Michael Cumming

Published: 26 Apr 2021