Wentworth Prison alumni return in new series Beyond Bars for UK audiences

The new series titled Wentworth: Beyond Bars introduces a fresh ensemble cast alongside the three returning original leads. The production moves the setting from the familiar prison corridors to the Sally Lee Halfway House. This change marks the end of the eighth season of the original show and begins a new chapter for the franchise. UK viewers will have access to the series later this year through Channel 5.

The original series ran for eight seasons before concluding its final episodes. Fans of the show had accepted that the story might be finished after those eight years. The revival announcement came with the first details and promotional images released to the public. An opening scene in this material shows the character Boomer leaving the prison for her probation period.

Katrina Milosevic returns to the role of Susan 'Boomer' Jenkins. Nicole da Silva reprises her role as Franky Doyle, and Kate Box returns as Lou Kelly. These three actors lead the new ensemble cast. The cast is described as bringing to life a volatile mix of flawed survivors. The characters are thrown together under one roof in the new setting.

In this new installment, Boomer Jenkins is finally on parole. She is determined to rebuild her life and reunite with her daughter. She moves into the Sally Lee Halfway House, which is a home full of volatile women. Each resident has something to hide and nowhere left to run. The world outside the prison proves to be just as unforgiving as the one left behind.

The plot involves a resident who turns up dead in the halfway house. Boomer is thrust into a spiraling mystery that threatens to undo everything she has fought for. To make matters worse, the person Boomer ratted on to reduce her sentence is also out. That individual is determined to make her pay for the information shared earlier.

As Boomer’s life with her daughter begins to slip out of reach, she must fight to hold onto her dream. Jamie Lynn, EVP Co-Production and Distribution at Fremantle, said the franchise has become an enduring global drama. He noted that Beyond Bars takes the characters in a bold new direction while retaining the edge and intensity of the series.

Greg Barnett, Commissioning Editor at Channel 5, added that the actors have created globally iconic characters. He is delighted they are returning to start a new chapter outside of Wentworth Prison. Barnett stated that the ultimate prize is permanent freedom, not just getting out. He described the show as intense and relentless in its twists and turns for loyal fans and new viewers.

The new series aims to retain the grittiness and edge of the original production. A fresh set of women will be introduced for viewers to get to know. The story continues beyond the prison walls where danger, bad decisions, and fierce loyalties collide. The production works with Channel 5 to bring the franchise back to UK audiences after the previous season ended.