Sherwood star pays tribute to ‘brilliant’ newcomer ahead of season two landing on BBC

Two years ago, the nation was gripped by James Graham's crime drama Sherwood, which followed the investigation of two murders in an ex-mining town. Now, the popular BBC show is returning to screens with more unexpected twists and turns to come.

Along with many familiar faces appearing in the second series, including David Morrissey and Lorraine Ashbourne, fans will also see Bethany Asher and Oliver Huntingdon join the show as Ryan and Stephie Bottomley.

Speaking about the young new stars, actors Sharlene Whyte and David Harewood, who are also joining the show, had nothing but praise for their on-screen family.

Sharlene said: “It was really interesting because I'm from the Television Workshop alumni. So, when you work with someone like Oliver, you sort of expect a certain level, you take for granted that they're going to be good.

“I knew he was going to be raw and edgy and just brilliant. As for Bethany, it was great working with her. She’s so focused, so driven, and very dedicated to playing her character.”

Agreeing, David called it wonderful working with the new cast members as he had nothing but kind words to say about them both.

He added: “It just shows that Nottingham has produced so many wonderful young actors. It's nice to have that experience working with people who have a freshness and a new approach. They were just a joy to work with.”

Ryan, whe is played by Oliver, is the adoptive son of Sharlene Whyte's character Pam Bottomley. It transpires that she took the troubled teen on following the death of her husband.

The newcomer has revealed that when viewers first meet Ryan, they'll be thrown into the dark and serious phase of his life as he'll commit a terrible crime.

However, it seems as though the role may be more complex as the episodes go on as Oliver believes people will end up sympathsing with him.

He said: "As his story progresses we start to see more about his character and how he operates. He’s having to battle with himself and for those that he loves, specifically his sister, played by Bethany Asher.

"His sister is the main driver that keeps him going because at the end of the day they’re all each other have.

"I think the audience will empathise and resonate a lot with that relationship as well as seeing that there is in some ways a caring and intelligent person underneath it all.

A synopsis for Sherwood's second series will be set in the present day and will feature two new families who are entangled with the Sparrows.

Elsewhere a new sheriff is fighting against a proposed new mine for the area, which could bring the promise of much needed jobs, but also unwelcome reminders.

The second series of Sherwood will air on Sunday 25th August on BBC One from 9pm.