Renewed: The A Word

UK autism-based drama The A Word, written by Peter Bowker, has been renewed for a third season.

Two years on and things have changed for the Hughes family. Joe is 10 and living in two places at once, processing the seismic change in his life through the filter of his autism. Alison and Paul are divorced and live 100 miles apart. Nicola has moved to London. Eddie lives with his dad. Rebecca has just realised she’s pregnant. Only Maurice is holding it together. And if Maurice is the one holding it together, you know you are in trouble. A family is always a puzzle and this one needs piecing back together, albeit in a different shape.

Peter Bowker says: “It is a joy to be revisiting the world of The A Word, to move the story of the Hughes family on, and to have the opportunity to expand our celebration and examination of diversity and humanity in all its myriad forms. The BBC has been incredibly supportive of this show and deserve our thanks and support at a time when it continues to be attacked on behalf of the ignorant by those who should know better.”

Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, says: “The A Word has become a firm favourite with the BBC One audience telling a unique and poignant story in an original and entertaining way. We are excited filming has now begun on a third series and look forward to picking up with Joe and the family two years on and seeing what challenges and adventures lay ahead for them.”

The A Word screens in Australia on BBC First.