The A Word spin-off Ralph & Katie will air next week

They were two of the most loved characters in hit BBC drama The A Word, so fans of the show were over the moon back in 2020, when it was announced that there would be a spin-off called Ralph & Katie!

Now, it's finally been revealed that we can look forward to a double bill, when it starts next week, on Wednesday 5th October at 9pm on BBC One.

In The A Word, Ralph and Katie took some massive steps in their relationship, getting married and moving into their very own house in series three, which we'll see in the new show.

Ralph, played by actor Leon Harrop, and Katie, played by Sarah Gordy, both have Down's Syndrome, something which the new six-part series written by Peter Bowker will focus on.

Peter has teamed up with a number of emerging disabled writers for the new series, with the storyline focussing on Ralph and Katie's first year of married life, showing the challenges that face newlyweds, as well as adding in the factor of the pair having Down's Syndrome.

Also appearing in the spin-off will be Ralph's mum Louise, played by Pooky Quesnel, Katie's parents Steve and Clare, played by Nigel Betts and Sherry Baines and Tom, played by Matt Greenwood.

The show's producer Jules Hussey has also shared a trailer for the new show on Twitter, which are excited to see. One fan wrote: 'Can’t wait to see it! 👏🏼 x', with another writing: 'So excited to see this ❤️❤️'.

Speaking about his new series, at the time it was confirmed, writer Peter Bowker said: "Ralph And Katie is a natural step forwards from the ongoing ambition of The A Word to increase representation and diversity both on and off screen. Equally exciting is the opportunity to work again with two young actors as talented as Leon and Sarah. It is a tribute to their performances in The A Word that the BBC have commissioned this series."

Carol Boys, Chief Executive, Down’s Syndrome Association, later added: "We’re so pleased that Ralph and Katie’s story will be continuing, and that Leon and Sarah, two marvellous actors, are getting this well-deserved opportunity to play the central characters in a BBC drama."

When is Ralph & Katie on TV?

The show will be made up of six, 30 minute episodes, starting with a double bill on Wednesday 5th October.

What channel is Ralph & Katie on?

Ralph & Katie will be on BBC One at 9pm on 5th October.

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Meanwhile, all three series of The A Word are available on BBC iPlayer now.

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