Filming is underway on BBC One drama Ralph & Katie at Space Studios Manchester and on location in the Lake District, starring Leon Harrop and Sarah Gordy.

The 6 x 30 drama, a spin-off from The A Word, is co-produced by ITV Studios and Keshet Productions in association with Tiger Aspect.

The series follows the continuing story of Ralph and Katie Wilson, with each featuring a different story focusing on the domestic challenges they face – issues faced by all newlyweds, but with an added ingredient in the mix being that the couple have Down”s Syndrome. Supporting cast includes Pooky Quesnel, Nigel Betts, Sherry Baines and Matt Greenwood.

Peter Bowker created the show – he was also lead writer on The A Word. Bowker revealed early last year the team who have since worked alongside him, all of them new and emerging disabled writers, who were chosen in partnership with BBC Writersroom. They are: Amy Trigg, Annalisa Dinnella, Genevieve Barr, Tom Wentworth and Lizzie Watson.

Bowker says: “The writing team have delivered a series of scripts that are full of joy, humour and authenticity. It will be exciting to see the wonderful cast bring them to life under the Direction of the force of nature that is Jordan Hogg.”

Ralph & Katie is executive produced by Bowker, Patrick Spence and Kathryn Pugsley (ITV Studios), Howard Burch (Keshet Productions) and Lucy Richer (BBC), alongside Avi Nir (Keshet Media Group), and Keren Margalit. Jules Hussey produces and Jordan Hogg directs.

With funding from ITV Studios and BBC Drama, Ralph & Katie has employed five disabled trainees and is running a 6-month remote training scheme with DANC (Disabled Artists Network Community) for disabled early career creatives.

The scheme offers behind-the-scenes access for those interested in how a high-end TV production is made. DANC is facilitating access and support for participants throughout the process.

The programme has been offered to people in the NW and beyond who are deaf, disabled, autistic and neurodivergent and at an early stage in their career. It begins as production commences, runs for six months and takes place remotely, with participants being given confidential access to key documents which will stretch from pre-production to the final edit of the first episode.

They will also have access to meetings with various heads of departments as they discuss scripts, location scouting, scheduling, budgeting, set design, and wardrobe. Paid trainees have also been recruited in casting, ADS, Production, Costume, Unit Stills and EPK.

Series director Jordan Hogg, who is himself disabled, said: “We’re embarking on something that’s never been attempted in our industry, we’re changing the world.”

Image credit: Jules Hussey.