Michelle Keegan’s period drama Ten Pound Poms axed by BBC after just two series
In a move that will leave fans disappointed, Michelle Keegan’s period drama Ten Pound Poms has been axed by the BBC after just two series.
Michelle Keegan’s period drama Ten Pound Poms has been axed by the BBC after just two series. Dashing hopes from both cast and fans that the story would continue, the broadcaster confirmed the news on Thursday (02.10.25), bringing an abrupt halt to the show that followed the fortunes of British families who emigrated to Australia in the mid-1950s.
The first season debuted in 2023, with the second airing earlier this year.
Despite strong performances from its cast, the series will not return for a third outing.
A BBC spokesperson said: “It has been a joy to bring the story of the Ten Pound Poms to life for our viewers and we are grateful to Danny Brocklehurst, Eleven, and the entire cast and crew who have worked on the series.”
The drama, named after the subsidized migration scheme that saw thousands of Britons head Down Under for £10, focused on the culture shock and disillusionment experienced once the supposed “better life” was revealed to be far harsher than advertised.
Michelle Keegan, 38, had previously spoken of her willingness to return, though she admitted family commitments could have delayed her involvement.
Ahead of season two she said she was “up for” a third installment but acknowledged there would need to be a pause as she was then expecting her first child, born in March this year.
Her co-star Faye Marsay echoed the sentiment in a press roundtable with RadioTimes.com and others. She said: “Yeah, sure. I think, like Michelle said, we’ve got to wait and see what the appetite is for it and whether it resonates with people.
“I feel very safe around Michelle and Warren so even though it’s a long way away, it’s a really nice group of people. If people want to see more then of course, I would be open to doing it. But we don’t know yet, no.”
Warren Brown rounded out the central trio, playing one of the migrants navigating the sun-scorched promise of new beginnings.
The cancellation leaves fans with just two seasons to revisit on BBC iPlayer, where the drama remains available.
For viewers who followed the ups and downs of the characters’ journeys, the decision marks a premature end to what many saw as an under-explored chapter of postwar British history.
Keegan will not be short of screen time, however.
She is currently appearing in the seventh and final season of Brassic, the Sky comedy-drama that has built a dedicated following over the years.
Cast members there have already teased a fiery conclusion.
Tom Hanson, who plays Cardi, said while fans would be “furious”, they were also “gonna love it”.
Ryan Sampson, who plays Tommo, added: “It’s sort of harrowing. The last episode is significantly more dark and intense than we’ve ever done before. So I’ll be keen to see what people think of it.”
