‘Dodger’ is returning with a star-studded Christmas 2023 special
The BBC has announced a surprise festive instalment of Dodger!
Set in the world of Oliver Twist before the events of Charles Dickens’ classic novel, the children’s comedy-drama premiered in early 2022.
Dodger follows the exploits of the infamous pickpocket, the Artful Dodger and his gang as they find ingenious ways to survive the grim and exploitative conditions of early Victorian London in the 1830s.
The BAFTA-winning ten-part first season was followed by three specials, airing last Christmas and this Easter.
It’s a really fun show for all the family, so we’re thrilled to report that there will be another action-packed Christmas episode this year.
The special has one again been written by Rhys Thomas and Lucy Montgomery, with all the main cast reprising their roles.
Christopher Eccleston (Doctor Who) is back as Fagin, alongside Billy Jenkins (The Crown) as Dodger, Ellie-May Sheridan as Polly, Connor Curren as Tom, Mila Lieu as Tang, Lenny Rush as Morgan, Javone Prince as PC Blathers, Tony Way as Jon the News, and Ed Kear as Neville.
Dodger has landed some amazing guest stars for this festive adventure too…
Look out for Nicola Coughlan from Bridgerton and Derry Girls as Queen Victoria, Four Weddings and a Funeral star Simon Callow as The Archbishop of Canterbury, and James Bond villain Toby Stephens as US President Martin Van Buren.
They’re joined by comedian Paul Whitehouse (The Fast Show) as Royston, Chief of the Yeoman Guard, Dan Renton Skinner as Maurice The Beefeater, and Alex Macqueen as John Bridge, The Crown Jeweller.
Titled ‘Coronation’, the new 55-minute special features Fagin and the gang’s biggest heist yet – getting their hands on Queen Victoria’s crown from her Coronation ceremony!
“Dodger just keeps getting bigger and better – look at that glittering guest cast!” commented writers Rhys Thomas and Lucy Montgomery .
“We are overjoyed to be back in the top hat and what a thrill to pack another Coronation into an already regal year”, they said.
Watch the trailer here:
The brand new Christmas episode is set to premiere in the UK in December on CBBC, BBC One and streaming on BBC iPlayer.
“Dodger and the gang have delighted audiences with their hilarious antics and we’re so pleased they’re back with a fabulous cast and even more fun and spectacle,” added Sarah Muller, Senior Head of BBC Children’s Commissioning.
Dodger guest star Nicola Coughlan will be back on our screens in 2024 with the third season of Bridgerton on Netflix.
The lovely Irish actress has also been spotted filming next year’s Doctor Who Christmas special in Cardiff recently.
Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist is available on Amazon.