Sanditon explains why two more stars aren't returning for season 2
Fans were shocked when Sanditon was renewed two years after being cancelled, but not all of its stars are returning.
The Jane Austen adaptation on ITV was axed back in 2019 after just one season, but PBS recently confirmed it will be back for seasons two and three.
Theo James, who played Sidney Parker in the first series, already confirmed back in May he wouldn't be coming back, telling fans that "his journey concluded as I wanted it to".
But a show representative told TV Line that there are two more stars not returning: Mark Stanley and Leo Suter.
"Due to several reasons including scheduling conflicts," the rep explained, "neither Mark Stanley nor Leo Suter will be returning to the next season of Sanditon. We are extremely grateful to Mark and Leo and wish these two talented actors the very best for the future."
Stanley and Suter played Lord Babington and James Stringer respectively in the first season. By the end of the series, Babington was married to his true love, Esther (Charlotte Spencer). Stringer had decided to stay in Sanditon after his father's death in a fire, despite previously planning to leave for an apprenticeship.
Back when it was originally cancelled, an ITV spokesperson said: "We loved Sanditon and we were very proud to have it on ITV.
"We would have loved it to return, but unfortunately we just didn't get the audience that would make that possible for us, which is heartbreaking for everybody involved in this wonderful adaptation."
The new seasons will air on Masterpiece on PBS in the US and they've been announced as a BritBox Original. ITV – the show's original UK channel – will also air the episodes after their premiere on BritBox.
Season two started production back in July, and the action will reportedly pick up around nine months after the events of the first season.
Masterpiece gave fans a teaser of what's to come in the new revival: "Sanditon will return with seasons 2 and 3 and continue Charlotte's journey through life and love.
"While Sidney Parker will not return, rest assured that an abundance of romance and adventure lies ahead for the Sanditon heroine. We can't wait for you to see what we have in store..."
The release date is yet to be confirmed, but Masterpiece producer Susanne Simpson revealed that it will be "with us next year". The exact date is planned to be announced in October.
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