Play For Today returns to Merseyside!

Casting and episode details have been revealed for the second season of Channel 5’s returning anthology series, set to bring a strong Scouse flavour to screens once again with Liverpool’s LA Productions and LA Post producing and editing three of the season’s six episodes

Closing Time (w/t) follows Mo; played by Antonio Aakeel (Slow Horses, Sherlock & Daughter) a gifted migrant working in his uncle’s kebab shop. Mo has always kept his culinary ambitions hidden until, during a late night of service, he meets Laila played by Ellora Torchia (House of the Dragon, Ali & Ava, Midsommar), a thoughtful lawyer trapped in a stagnant engagement. Their chance encounter begins a passionate affair built on late-night conversations and cooking sessions. As Laila encourages Mo to pursue his dreams despite his pending visa renewal, he challenges her to confront the life she’s settled for. The episode was written by Mina Barber and directed by multi-award winning filmmaker Dan Sloan from Wallasey.

The Nine O’Clock Trot is a darkly comic, emotionally resonant drama starring Johnny Vegas (Benidorm, Home from Home, Red Dwarf) and Kalli Tant (Inside No.9, The Responder, The Gathering), this film follows Annie (Tant), a recent graduate who has spent six months caring full‑time for her grandfather. Isolated, unemployed and broke, Annie is left reeling when he dies — and facing a funeral bill she cannot afford. With no family support and nowhere to turn, she keeps his death a secret, refusing a council public health funeral she finds unbearable. Desperate to give him a proper send‑off, Annie turns to the local parish priest, only to become entangled with Father Adam (Vegas), a troubled man facing his own reckoning. What begins as an act of love spirals rapidly out of control, forcing Annie to confront just how far she’s willing to go. Honest, warm and darkly funny, the film explores grief, social care, and the unseen weight of caring – and the extraordinary lengths we go to for those we love. It was written by Liverpool’s Joe McNally in his debut TV production, following on from writing the play ‘Cosmic’ for the Royal Court Theatre, and directed by fellow scouser Harry Machray, a LIPA alum and current head of factual for LA Productions, making his fiction directorial debut.

The Castle follows three siblings left to fend for themselves after their mother suddenly disappears. Connor, Jamie, and Mia; played by Oliver Nelson (After the Flood, The Gathering), Dylan Hughes (Death by Lightening, Ludwig, Maternal) and Matilda Flower (Trying, Christmas at Plumhill Manor) try to keep their lives afloat, transforming their suburban house into a makeshift fortress as they wait for her return. Told through the eyes of wildly imaginative middle-brother Connor, The Castle traces fraying sibling relationships, survival strategies, and the grand stories children tell each other to feel safe. A tender, soulful story about growing up too soon, and rescuing yourself before it’s too late. Written by Jack Bradfield, it was directed by Liverpool’s Emma Turner, following on her directorial debut on last year’s Play For Today series.

Following a successful first run that delivered first credits for new writers, first time directors and early career crew, this new wave further cements Play for Today as a launchpad for the next generation of British talent and 5 as a major home of original British drama. The new films continue to open doors for talent traditionally under represented in the industry. Across the strand, writers and directors are making their broadcast debuts, while crews are drawn from a diverse range of backgrounds and supported to progress on set.

At LA Productions, this commitment has translated into opportunities at every level. Building on series one, they have supported a returning first time director, delivered broadcast debuts for two additional directors and three new local writers, and enabled crew members to step up into more senior roles.

We’re also proud to have facilitated nine Youth Guarantee Trailblazers placements across both LA Productions and LA Post on the three episodes, providing the trainees with their first on-set experience.