May 7 – Channel 4 has announced that Bridget Christie’s critically acclaimed comedy series, The Change, produced by Expectation, has been commissioned for a second series.

The BAFTA-nominated comedy is created, written by, and stars the multi-award-winning stand-up comedian, actor, and writer Bridget Christie. Earlier this year, Christie was also the recipient of the Debut Writer award at the New Voice Awards 2024 in recognition of the first series’ success. The much-lauded series has garnered a raft of award nominations including a Broadcast award nomination for Best Comedy, the RTS Comedy Writer category for Bridget and she is shortlisted in the Female Performance in a Comedy category for the forthcoming BAFTA TV Awards. Filming on the new series starts later this year.

At the start of series two, Linda (Bridget Christie) has got some explaining to do. Faced with the repercussions of the lies she’s told the forest community, along with losing the Mother Tree, and the arrival of husband Steve who has come to bring her home, Linda’s future in the forest looks uncertain. But she’s already come a long way since being mother/wife/homemaker Linda Jane Jenkins of Swindon, and her journey is far from over. She may have only been Eel Queen for a day, but something’s changed in Linda which means she’s not done yet – in fact she’s only just started. But little does she realise what a huge impact this decision will have on the town…and Steve.

Bridget Christie said,”What??? I’ve got a SECOND series?! What was the first one about?”

Charlie Perkins, Head of Comedy, Channel 4 said, “Of course soon after the Spring Equinox feels like the perfect time to celebrate the return of The Change to Channel 4. The critical and cultural response to series one was special; celebrating a distinctive, artistic, and uniquely funny take on subject matter we hadn’t seen reflected in comedy before. We’re looking forward to being back with Bridget, Expectation and the eels in The Forest Of Dean.”

Morwenna Gordon, Executive Producer, Expectation said, “Bridget has created something very special in The Change, with Linda and her ‘coming of age’ story with a twist. From stacking the dishwasher and timing her chores, to taking off on a Triumph, climbing trees and being crowned an Eel Queen, the show puts too-often invisible, middle-aged women squarely in the spotlight – in motorbike leathers and a headdress – and for that we are eternally grateful! So, we are delighted to be bringing it back to Channel 4 for a second series to let Linda continue her journey.”

The Change series two was commissioned by Charlie Perkins, Head of Comedy and Laura Riseam, Commissioning Editor for Comedy at Channel 4. The series is produced by Expectation and executive producers are Bridget Christie, Nerys Evans and Morwenna Gordon. The producer is Lisa Mitchell. BBC Studios, who have a minority investment stake in Expectation, are handling international distribution of the series.

Casting for series two will be announced in due course.

Critical praise for The Change (series one) –

“Bridget Christie’s super-cool menopause comedy is like nothing else on TV”
(The Guardian)

“The most uplifting and joyous bit of television to have graced our screens this decade”
(The Telegraph)

“Beautifully written and performed – sharp as a razor, subversive and surprising, with not a line wasted”
(Daily Mail)

“One of the most vital, brilliant, British comedies in years”
(The i)

ABOUT EXPECTATION

Expectation launched in February 2017 as a multi-genre, independent production company covering both scripted and non-scripted programming. Led by Peter Fincham and Tim Hincks, Expectation has built an enviable reputation for creating new comedy, drama, factual drama, factual and entertainment programming as well as breaking new and diverse talent and winning multiple awards for its shows. In scripted programming, the team have produced the multi-award-winning series: Alma’s Not Normal for BBC Two, In My Skin for BBC Three and BBC Wales, as well as dark comedy drama Guilt (with Happy Tramp) for BBC Two and BBC Scotland. They have also produced two series and a special of international hit, Intelligence for Sky Comedy and The Change, created, written by, and starring the multi award-winning stand-up comedian, actor, and writer Bridget Christie for Channel 4, along with crime drama The Chelsea Detective for Acorn TV and the forthcoming psychological thriller series Malice (a co-production with Tailspin Films) starring David Duchovny, Jack Whitehall and Carice van Houten for Prime Video. Expectation’s other shows also include Clarkson’s Farm, The Grand Tour and Backstage with Katherine Ryan for Prime Video, The Big Narstie Show (with Dice Productions), The Lateish Show with Mo Gilligan (with Momo G), Steph’s Packed Lunch (in partnership with Can Can Productions) and I Literally Just Told You for Channel 4, In With A Shout for ITV, Unforgivable for Dave, This is MY House, the forthcoming Home To Roost documenting The Osbournes’ return to the UK for BBC One and Katherine Ryan: Parental Guidance for W. Expectation is part of the BBC Studios portfolio of minority invested indie production partners.