Andy and the Band | Made in the Liverpool City Region

The hugely popular children’s comedy series Andy and the Band returns to CBBC and BBC iPlayer later this month after filming across the Liverpool City Region.Back with twenty fun-filled episodes from Monday 13 November, Andy Day and his band mates, the Odd Socks, rise to the biggest challenge yet – saving Planet Rock!

Described as ‘modern day Monkees, musicians Andy and the Odd Socks consist of vocalist Andy, guitarist Rio, drummer Moxy, bassist Blu and keyboardist Cousin Mac.

The new series filmed across the Liverpool City Region earlier this year, soaking up Eurovision-fever at locations such as The Black-E, County Sessions House, Sefton Park, New Brighton beach, The Playhouse Theatre, McGoldrick Park and Croxteth Hall – all facilitated by the Liverpool Film Office.

The new series will see the band’s new manager Emerald, played by global internet phenomenon Nandi Bushell in her first lead acting role with huge guest stars such as Sir Brian May; Pussycat Doll and presenter Kimberly Wyatt; legendary Lioness Ella Toone; comedy actor Nina Wadia; and much-loved TV chef Rustie Lee all turning up in the series.

In this third series, Planet Rock is in distress due to a lack of pure, honest rock music coming from Earth and the Godfather of Rock (Sir Brian May) is very concerned. He believes the solution may lie with Andy and the Odd Socks and the upcoming Battle of the Bands competition however, his goddaughter Emerald (Nandi Bushell) is already one step ahead and sets off for earth in her ‘rock pod’ to help out.

Meanwhile, Andy and the Band still have to meet the daily demands of their family, fans and friends – from getting sucked into a computer game to staging a fictional court case and investigating the theft of some prized vegetables to stopping a time-travelling pirate in his tracks, no odd job is too odd for the Odd Socks as they embark upon a myriad of musical missions.

Andy said: “We’re back with more mayhem, more epic oddsocky tunes, great guest stars and more cheesy puffs for Whiff! This series there is a narrative that runs through all of the episodes which reaches an explosive crescendo at the end when we HAVE to win the Battle of the Bands because the future of rock depends on it! Do we do it? You’ll have to watch and see!”

Nandi Bushell, who rose to prominence after jamming with Lenny Kravitz and appearing on stage with rock royalty The Foo Fighters, added: “I have never performed a speaking acting role before so playing Emerald in Andy and the Band was the perfect first role for me. Working with Brian May was a dream come true! He is genuinely one of the nicest people I have ever met. He let me play his guitar and gave me a few lessons when we were on set and made me feel really special.”

It’s been a busy year for the band who rocked out at countless venues around the country including appearances the Eurovision Village in Liverpool. And as ambassadors for Anti-Bullying Week and Odd Socks Day (Monday 13 November), they continue to spread a message of inclusivity and respect and that children should embrace their individuality
Andy and the Band is executive produced by Tamsin Skan and Jon Turner and by Lucy Pryke (BBC).

It is made by Ninja Pig Productions for the BBC.