TelevisionBanished

The BBC has shared a media pack for Banished, which begins on March 5th, and it contains the first promo shot of Joseph Millson as Major Ross, along with an interview with him.

Joseph Millson

Major Ross

Who is Major Ross?

The BBC Press Office has shared the broadcast date for Banished - which begins on Thursday 5th March, at a time to be confirmed. 

New South Wales, 1788. Dawn is breaking over a ramshackle camp where the British convicts transported on the First Fleet are waking up to another sweltering hot day alongside their Royal Navy marine guards and their masters. In this fledgling penal colony anything can happen - and death stalks everybody.

Though we still don't have a firm broadcast date for Banished, some reviews have been shared online from those who have seen previews of the series. 

Firstly this month, you should make an appointment to view Banished (BBC Two), the new drama from Jimmy McGovern which stars Russell Tovey and Myanna Buring as two of the thousands of British convicts transported to the first Australian penal colony in the 18th century. It’s sweltering, conditions are basic and every day is an obstacle course to survival. McGovern’s carefully drawn characters drive the story along with huge energy and the ensemble cast really convey the struggle of life in a hostile place. Seven hours of incredible television. Julia Raeside's Digital Watch

The BFI has shared details of a preview for the new series of Banished, to be held in London on 9th March - a Q&A with Jimmy McGovern will follow the screening. Joseph isn't listed as attending. Tickets go on sale 10th February.

Mar 11, 2015 6:15 PM NFT1
On sale10-02-2015 11:30 AM
BBC 2-RSJ Films-See-Saw Films 2014
Directed by Dan Percival
With MyAnna Buring, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Russell Tovey, David Wenham

A recent interview with Banished creator Jimmy McGovern for the Radio Times mentions the new series.

However, McGovern adds that he is intensely pleased with his new BBC2 drama Banished, about the first British convicts to settle in Australia, which he wrote without a collaborator. Set in 1787, it stars Russell Tovey (Being Human), MyAnna Buring (Ripper Street), Julian Rhind-Tutt (The Hour) and Rory McCann (Game Of Thrones).

RadioTimes.com understands that a March or April broadcast date is being mooted for Banished, although McGovern would have preferred a February time slot. “I want it to be shown when it is as cold as possible," he said, "you can really feel the heat of it then."