The show returns with additions to the cast including Gemma Whelan and Roisin Conaty.

Sky have announced the start of production on a second series of Funny Woman.

The show, based on Nick Hornby’s novel Funny Girl, sees Gemma Arterton play Barbara Parker. As rising star Sophie Straw, she’s a performer trying to make her way in the entertainment world of the 1960s.

Here’s the synopsis for Funny Woman Series 2:

Series 2 finds Sophie on a high. She is the nation’s favourite TV comedy star; she’s got a group of good friends and her romance with Dennis is full of promise. But trouble is just round the corner: Dennis’s divorce will take three years; Sophie’s new sitcom flops and she uncovers a devastating family secret. Sophie escapes the turmoil by taking a leading role in a film opposite a glamorous French movie heart-throb. The film is a hit and Sophie’s slick new US agent offers her a fresh start in Hollywood…

But Sophie returns to London, determined to get the gang back together and to create a new show which reflects her real life, challenges outdated cultural conventions and proves that she and her mates are Funny Women!

Joining Gemma Arterton, the show’s returning cast includes Arsher Ali, David Threlfall, Rosie Cavaliero, Alexa Davies, Matthew Beard, Leo Bill, Clare-Hope Ashitey and Alistair Petrie.

The new series adds Steve Zissis, Marcus Rutherford, Tim Key, Gemma Whelan and Roisin Conaty. Filming is taking place Liverpool and the Northwest.

Writer, Executive Producer, Morwenna Banks said:

“It’s a thrill to dive back into the world of 1960’s London – with the extraordinary cast and crew of Funny Woman series 2. Thanks to the genius of Gemma Arterton as Nick Hornby’s heroine Sophie Straw – a whole host of new guest stars have joined us. We welcome stellar performances from Steve Zissis, Marcus Rutherford, Tim Key, Gemma Whelan, Roisin Conaty and many more …Tune in Turn On and don’t Drop Out”.

Funny Woman comes from Potboiler and Rebel Park Productions, in association with Sky Studios. The series is written by Morwenna Banks, Kevin Cecil and Andy Riley, with Oliver Parker directing. The executive producers are Nick Hornby, Morwenna Banks, Gemma Arterton, Andrea Calderwood, Gail Egan, Jessica Parker and Jessica Malik.

Series 2 will air on Sky Max and stream on NOW later in 2024. That’s also where the first series is available to stream.