The much-anticipated cast of The Famous Five has today been announced with Diaana Babnicova playing the role of George, alongside Elliott Rose as Julian, Kit Rakusen as Dick, Flora Jacoby Richardson as Anne playing George’s cousins who come to stay at Kirrin Cottage.

Making up the fifth member of The Famous Five and the gang’s faithful furry friend, is Kip, the Bearded Collie Cross playing Timmy the dog.

Joining the five are Jack Gleeson (Game of Thrones, In The Land of the Saints and Sinners) as Wentworth, Ann Akinjirin (Moon Knight, I May Destroy You) as Fanny, James Lance (Ted Lasso, Bronson) as Quentin and Diana Quick (Father Brown, Forever Young, Houdini and Doyle) as Mrs Wentworth.

Tim Kirkby, Director (episode one) and Executive Producer said: “Our brilliant young cast are mind-blowingly talented and, along with Kip (playing Timmy), they are already bringing these gorgeous characters to life in a fresh and modern way. Together with the brilliant Jack, Ann, James and Diana we can’t wait to bring these glorious, action-filled, epic, family adventures to the screen.”

The series, made in co-production with German ZDF, follows the five daring young explorers as they encounter treacherous, action-packed adventures, remarkable mysteries, unparalleled danger, and astounding secrets in an unforgettable odyssey that evokes the power of camaraderie between the fearless young heroes. It will be executive produced by Nicolas Winding Refn (byNWR) & Matthew Read (Moonage Pictures) and is based on Enid Blyton’s 21 stories. Filming takes place across the South West of the UK.

The series was commissioned by Sarah Muller, Senior Head of BBC Children’s Commissioning 7+ and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Amy Buscombe. For ZDF, Frank Seyberth, Head of International Coproduction, is responsible for the series together with Katharina Kremling as Commissioning Editor. The first episode is directed by Tim Kirkby (Fleabag, The Pentaverate) and produced by Moonage Pictures and byNWR Originals. Asim Abbasi (Churails, Cake, Count Abdulla) will direct the second episode and Bill Eagles (Beautiful Creatures, Gotham, Pennyworth) will direct the third episode. BBC Studios, who have a minority stake in Moonage, will oversee international distribution. Jessica Wirdemann, Executive Producer, International Co-Productions for BBC Studios in Germany brokered the co-production deal with German ZDF. BBC Studios have presold the series to France’s TF1. Episode one is written by Matthew Read, episode two is written by Priya K Dosanjh, with episode three written by Matthew Bouch and Matthew Read. Executive Producers are Nicolas Winding Refn, Matthew Read, Will Gould, Frith Tiplady, Tim Kirkby, Christina Bostofte Erritzøe, Kimberly Willming and Matthew Bouch. Producer is Sophie MacClancy.