Coming-of-age comedy Derry Girls is finally returning for its third and final series. Season 2 of the much-loved Channel 4 show was shown in 2019 - but repeated delays to filming caused by the coronavirus pandemic mean viewers have had to wait three years for the latest instalment.
And, to the dismay of die-hard fans, writer Lisa McGee confirmed in a statement on Twitter last year that ‘it was always the plan to say goodbye after three series’. With a quick-witted script full of 90s school days nostalgia, it's easy to see why the show will be missed.
Derry Girls season 3 starts tonight (Tuesday, April 12) on Channel 4 and new episodes are set to be released weekly at 9.15pm. It’s anticipated that there will be six episodes in total and catch up will be available on All 4.
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The show’s lovable characters are a big reason for its success. Here’s a look at the actors who play them…
Nicola Coughlan
The 35-year-old actress plays intelligent and studious Clare Devlin, who is often the voice of reason in the gang of school pals who are the show's core focus. Coughlan started her career in 2004 in revenge comedy short film The Phantom Cnut.
After starring in Jess and Joe Forever at London’s The Old Vic, she was cast in Derry Girls in 2018. The same year she landed a part in Harlots - a period drama set in 18th century London.
Since then, she has starred in popular Netflix period drama Bridgerton. She plays Penelope Featherington, a reluctant debutante and youngest daughter of a nouveau-riche family in Regency-era London.
Saoirse-Monica Jackson
The 28-year-old plays the passionate and ambitious Erin Quinn, who has literary aspirations. Jackson’s TV debut came in 2016 when she played the role of Sasha in mystery thriller The Five. She also appeared in the final episode of 2017 BBC One drama Broken.
Louisa Harland
The 28-year-old plays Orla McCool, Erin’s detached and eccentric cousin. In 2011, Harland landed a recurring role in RTE One series Love/Hate.
She later appeared in films Standby and Lost in London, which was written and directed by Woody Harrelson.
Jamie-Lee O’Donnell
The Irish actress stars as Michelle Mallon, the wild child of the group. O’Donnell landed her first significant role in 2012, playing Eva Maguire in BBC2 NI series 6Degrees.
In 2018, she starred in theatre production I Told My Mum I Was Going on an RE Trip, playing an underage girl who decides to undergo an abortion. A year later, she joined the cast of Girls and Dolls, a play by the Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee.
Dylan Llewellyn
The 29-year-old English actor plays James Maguire, Michelle's cousin who grew up in London but has come to live with his aunt in Derry. In 2009, Llewellyn appeared in the short film Travel Bag and a year later starred in an episode of The Bill.
In 2011, he landed the role of Martin ‘Jono’ Johnson in soap opera Hollyoaks. His last appearance came in November 2012 when his character was killed off.
After leaving Hollyoaks, he appeared in Holby City as well as films Frequencies and Down Dog. Since starring in Derry Girls, he has also appeared in an episode of Call the Midwife.
Other cast members include comedian Tommy Tiernan, who plays Erin’s dad Gerry. Erin’s mother Mary is played by Tara Lyne O’Neill, who notably starred in EastEnders as Joanne Ryan between 2002 and 2003.
It has been revealed that Damien Molony (Brassic, Being Human) and Emmet J Scanlan (Peaky Blinders, Hollyoaks) will also appear in the final season.
