As early seasons of Wentworth finally hit free-to-air TV, Foxtel viewers are in for great news of their own.
The prison drama has been renewed for a seventh season! TVTonight reports the announcement was made at a media gathering yesterday afternoon.
In addition to the exciting news, Showcase has also confirmed Wentworth’s season six air-date, and it’s right around the corner!
In a cryptic Instagram post (below), which requires fans to screenshot and re-upload the image with a new filter, Showcase reveals the prison drama will return on June 19.
Wentworth’s “secret”.
And joining season six of the Prisoner adaptation is acclaimed Australia actress Susie Porter.
The Newcastle native is known for her roles in Puberty Blues, Pulse and her TV WEEK Logie Award-winning stint in RAN: Remote Area Nurse.
Susie will play new inmate and potential new top dog, Marie Winter.
The character, a notorious drug trafficker, was originally played by Maggie Millar in Prisoner. She often warred with former inmate Bea Smith (played by Val Lehman in the ’70s series and Danielle Cormack in Wentworth).
Susie Porter joins Wentworth as the formidable Marie Winter.
But in the reimagined Foxtel series, Marie has a new career.
Marie is the “lynch pin behind a diverse sex trafficking and prostitution industry” who has managed to stay one step ahead of the police. That is, until she is arrested for assault and lands in the Wentworth facility.
Susie says her time playing the character and filming with the incredible cast was “amazing”.
“I absolutely loved working on Wentworth season six,” Susie says.
“It’s amazing to be part of such female driven show. The storylines are full of twists and turns and the stakes are always high.
“It’s just so much fun to be part of it.”
Susie will be joined by two new cast mates, as Foxtel confirms Rarriwuy Hick and Leah Purcell have signed on for the new season.
“When I was approached to be part of the Wentworth family, I couldn’t believe it,” Leah, who plays Rita ‘The Beater’ Connors, says.
“I’ve watched the show from the very first series, not just to support Australian drama but also because of all the amazing, talented, beautiful and strong female actors that make up this show.”
Cleverman star Rarriwuy Hick, who plays young boxer Ruby Mitchell adds: “For a young actor, the role of Ruby is one you dream of coming your way. She’s feisty, funny and incredibly complex which makes playing her challenging and so satisfying. To be part of such a respected ensemble is a real privilege.”
Season five saw Sonia suffer a suspected heart attack.
Season five saw The Freak (Pamela Rabe) buried alive, but not yet dead, Franky making a mad dash for freedom (Nicole da Silva) and Sonia (Sigrid Thornton)unresponsive as she’s bundled into an ambulance.
The new, 12-episode season will pick up where we left off, hopefully providing answers to the huge cliff-hangers of the season five finale.
We can’t wait!
