The critically acclaimed Our Girl returns to our screens, but this time featuring the British Army on a posting in Kenya. Written by Tony Grounds (executive producers are Caroline Skinner and Tony Grounds) the show has a new central character – Georgie Lane played by Michelle Keegan. So, what have we been told about the series? Well…
“During this series, Georgie will have to earn the love and trust of her fellow soldiers, and the greater respect of her commanding officer, whilst working alongside aid workers in the biggest refugee camp in the world. Kenya is a complicated and volatile posting - one which will challenge her professionally in unexpected ways, and which will change her personal life forever.”
In the interview below, writer Tony Grounds talks about penning the series and actor Michelle Keegan reveals what we have to look forward to…
Question: How does this second series of Our Girl differ from the first?
Tony Grounds: It's both daunting and exciting having a new Our Girl. Georgie Lane [the new character, played by Michelle Keegan] having tours under her belt, is a more experienced and confident soldier than Molly was and this give the piece a more grown up feel.
Q: Why did you set this series in Kenya and Manchester?
TG: Once Michelle had been cast it seemed logical to have Georgie Lane come from Manchester and although the character obviously isn't based on Michelle, it was good to write for her voice.
Having researched the situation on the Kenya/Somalia border it felt an incredible setting for a drama. Fraught with danger and in a land that feels so different, Michelle is the medic with the army on a humanitarian tour. The soldiers are thrown into the maelstrom of seething chaos and desperation… although they have experienced war, none of them have ever faced anything like the situation they are confronted with on this tour.
Q: Will 2 Section be back and are there any other new characters to look out for?
TG: Yes, there are familiar faces within 2 Section but also a raft of terrific new characters. Having Luke Pasqualino and Royce Pierreson joining the cast has been wonderful. Royce being a doctor at a Manchester hospital was left in the UK while Luke, being a Special Forces Operative, was able to come 'on tour' to Africa.
Q: What changes will we see in Georgie across the series?
TG: All our soldiers are changed by the short tour; things seen can never be unseen. They return to the UK different people, none more so than Michelle's character, Georgie Lane.
Q: What do you hope viewers will take away from this series?
TG: Hopefully the audience will hold Georgie Lane's hand and go on this incredible, unforgettable journey with her.
We also caught up with Michelle Keegan who plays Lance Corporal Georgie Lane…
Question: Is this second series of Our Girl a new story?
Michelle Keegan: Yes, it’s a fresh story. Captain James and a few of the lads are back from the first series but there is a brand new feel to the show. The story-line is different and it’s shot differently. It also gives a nod to the first series which is nice.
Q: Tell us about the character you play! Who is Georgie?
MK: Georgie is an experienced army medic. She is good at her job, very professional and she knows what she wants in her life. Georgie puts her work first and isn’t afraid to get stuck in, especially with the lads! I wouldn’t say she’s the alpha, but she doesn’t take anything lying down.
Q: Does Georgie see a lot of action?
MK: Yes, we do a lot of stunts; I did a few of my own which I really enjoyed, including going up in a helicopter and getting flung out of cars by my hair! It’s been very physical and I found it very liberating.
Q: Did you do some specific research for this role?
MK: I had to learn all of the medical side to the role and we had an advisor on set to help. I also met up with a lot of female medics, they told me their stories and you find a new found respect for what people in the Army actually do. I just don’t think I’d be able to cope in the army; it’s very full on and difficult. The stories I’ve heard are heart breaking.
Our Girl series 2 is 5 x 60' drama which starts Wednesday, 07 September at 9pm on BBC One. And you can watch a brilliant prequel to Georgie’s adventures or check out the trailer below!
