Written by Sarah Hooper (Shameless), a second series of nine hour-long episodes and a Christmas special started production today in Manchester.

Hooper commented: “I love Robson, he is a fantastic actor and we’re all delighted to have someone with his pedigree joining the cast, and with George’s talent and rising star status it is going to bring an exciting new edge to our already brilliant ensemble.”

Sampson added: “I’m thrilled to be joining Mount Pleasant… the cast could not have been more welcoming. I can’t wait to explore further the comedic side of acting, with this fantastic cast”

Alongside Sally Lindsay (Phoenix Nights) as Lisa and Daniel Ryan (Just William) as Dan, the cast will also include Bobby Ball, Pauline Collins (Upstairs Downstairs), Angela Griffin (Waterloo Road), Paula Wilcox, Sian Reeves (Cutting It), Adrian Bower (Teachers), Neil Fitzmaurice (Phoenix Nights), Owen McDonnell (Single Handed) and Ainsley Howard.

> Buy the Series 1 DVD on Amazon.

Series 2 will see Jack appear to be a changed man and Lisa and Dan are back to their usual ways. Lisa’s best friends Shelley (Griffin) and Denise (Howard) need her more than ever, as they are struggling to adjust to their new lives with Shelley entering the world of dating as a sexy singleton and Denise adjusting to life as a working single mother. Meanwhile, Denise’s boss, smooth talker Fergus (Fitzmaurice), will be trying to win his way back into their lives.

Series 2 will air on Sky1 in August.

Are you looking forward to Series 2? Let us know below…