Time cast reveal what fans can expect from series 3

It's been a long time coming, but finally the third instalment of popular BBC prison drama Time is arriving in a matter of days, with Daniel Ryan and David Tennant joining Siobhan Finneran on the show.

With the three-part series dropping on 11th October, the cast have now spoken about what fans can expect from series three, with Daniel Ryan gushing: "You’re not going be disappointed watching this one."

Daniel, who will play the role of Prison Officer Freddie Jennings in series three, said: "I think the two series that have gone before this one have been so moving and harrowing, a statement about the conditions that we find our criminals in in this country.

"You’re not going be disappointed watching this one. Jimmy’s brilliance at bringing humanity to the screen... no one does it like him. It’s probably more violent than the previous series because these institutions are places of violence. What you are going to get from it is a feeling that you’ve learnt something and been moved as only Jimmy McGovern seems to be able to do."

It sounds like newcomer David Tennant (Prison Officer Bobby Bailey), is also excited about the new series.

Speaking about what fans can expect, he said: "The series is set in and around a young offender institution where my character, Bobby, is an officer. We follow what’s happening to him both at the prison and in his home life. We also follow what’s happening to some of the inmates and find out about why they’re there and what’s going on in their lives. Something happens towards the end of the first episode and Bobby’s left in a position where he knows more than the authorities do. He has to reckon with himself as to whether it’s right to be honest and truthful or defend his mate."

Speaking about working with Siobhan for the first time, he added: "I’ve been a fan of Siobhan for years. We'd never worked together, our paths may have vaguely crossed at a do or something, but to get to work with her and to get to know her... She’s everything you hope she will be – as an actor, she’s sublime, and as a human, she’s hilarious. Siobhan Finneran, doesn’t disappoint. You can have that, Siobhan, you can put that on your CV!"

Actress Siobhan Finneran, who plays the role of Prison Chaplin Marie-Louse O’Dell, is the only cast member to appear in all three series of Time.

Admitting she's always drawn back in by writer Jimmy McGovern's storylines, Siobhan said: "Well, I was blown away when I was asked to come and do the second one, so you can imagine how it was when they asked me to do the third one! I've been a fan of his most of my life. I think his writing feels really raw, but it's completely believable. It's always packed full of heart, isn't it? It's got a big beating heart going through it so that draws you in.

"He writes his characters so beautifully. I have to say, as an actor, if you get sent a Jimmy McGovern script, you've won the lottery! You read the first couple of pages and you're like, I'm already in. Marie-Louise still has the same responsibilities in terms of her role in the prison system, but what was only hinted at in series two – that she’s got her own personal problems and issues, on top of trying to carry out her job – we now see in series three.

"I just feel very lucky to have been in all of them and delighted that Jimmy and the other writers have wanted to develop her character throughout."

What will happen in series three?

The official synopsis for series three reads: 'Set within a Young Offenders Institution, the series will explore the impact of locking up teenagers and the effects on those who look after them.

'Prison Chaplain Marie-Louise comes to the YOI having lost her faith. When tragedy strikes within the prison, Marie-Louise clashes with veteran officer Bailey, a man in the midst of his own crisis. Bailey knows more about the circumstances that led to this major incident – but will he come clean before the guilt gets too much?

'Meanwhile, two teenage young offenders, Peter and James, struggle through the terrifying first weeks and months of their incarceration. Can James ever face his broken parents after an unforgivable act of violence and will Peter tell the truth about the death of an innocent man, or does family loyalty mean more? An unlikely friendship between them looks to shift the trajectory of their futures, but in an increasingly unstable environment, is change ever possible?'

READ MORE: Your ultimate guide to series three of BBC prison drama Time

When does it start?

Time will return for a third series on Sunday 11th October at 9pm on BBC One, followed by the second episode just a day later on 12th October. The third will air on Sunday 18th October.

All episodes will also be uploaded to BBC iPlayer.

What channel is it on?

Time airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Check out the first look photos from Time series three below:

Author: Alex Ross

Alex Ross is a Digital Content Editor across Rayo brands, including the Hits Radio Network, Greatest Hits Radio, KISS, Cool FM and Magic Radio. After beginning her career as a Marketing Intern with Bauer Media in 2016, she transitioned into digital editorial and has spent the past decade creating engaging content for millions of readers. Whether it’s reality shows, sitcoms, gritty crime dramas or hard-hitting documentaries, Alex is an expert in all things TV, as well as knowing the ins and outs of celebrities.