‘Wentworth’ pays homage to ‘Prisoner’ with upcoming eighth season

Foxtel have revealed that the much-anticipated eighth season of Wentworth has begun production, along with three new characters who’ll be entering the prison.

Fans were stunned by the shocking season 7 finale that saw two fan favourites leave the program, and revealed another was not quite as dead as we thought…

Season 8 will introduce three new ‘heritage’ characters that pray tribute to the show’s spiritual predecesor Prisoner, another iconic Australian series.

Rake‘s Kate Box joins the cast as former prison top dog Lou Kelly, Neighbours’ Jane Hall takes over at Wentworth’s new General Manager Ann Reynolds, and Zoe Terakes stars as Rebel ‘Reb’ Keane, a new inmate struggling with gender dysphoria.

“Wentworth has been the shining star of Foxtel’s extensive slate of Australian dramas and we are very proud to call “action” on the new season. We are indebted to the remarkable creative talent involved and to showcase the outstanding line-up of actors who bring to life this compelling series,” said Foxtel’s Executive Director of Television Brian Walsh.

“Since its debut in 2013 Wentworth boasts a large and loyal worldwide following and continually attracts some of the country’s finest actors and production creatives, we are thrilled to welcome Kate, Jane and Zoe on board.”

Wentworth Executive Producer Jo Porter adds: “Some 12 months after we wrapped series 7 it was more than a little bit exciting to see the gates of Wentworth spring open and reveal not only our beloved cast but some new faces join our incredible ensemble of acting talent. We are all so proud of the calibre of actors this production has always been able to attract – and post the first read through it was clear Kate, Jane and Zoe are already comfortable in the skin of their new roles.”

“Marcia Gardiner and her team of writers have shaped another exhilarating season and introduced some compelling characters that continue to draw on the legacy of Prisoner while shaping the women to reflect a contemporary Australia. Together with Pino Amenta, Marcia and our incredible writers directors, cast and crew we can’t wait to get started.”

Along with the three newcomers, fans can expect the return of Kate Atkinson, Leah Purcell, Susie Porter, Kate Jenkinson, Bernard Curry, Pamela Rabe and more of your favourites from the past seven seasons.

Wentworth Season 8 hits Foxtel in 2020. Catch up on seasons 1 through 7 on Foxtel now.

OIP Staff