31 March 2023 , 17:05
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BBC series Ralph & Katie won't be returning to our screens for a second series, it has been confirmed.
The fan-favourite series is a spin-off of The A Word and follows a young couple, Ralph Wilson and Katie Thorne (played by Sarah Gordy) - who both have Down's Syndrome.
It follows their first year of marriage as they journey through the ups and downs of married life.
Ralph & Katie, which consisted of six episodes, in October last year.
Writer of The A Word, Peter Bowker, wrote the spin-off series. He was joined by a team of disabled writers.
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At the time of it being commissioned, the writer said: "The writing team have delivered a series of scripts that are full of joy, humour and authenticity. It will be exciting to see the wonderful cast bring them to life under the Direction of the force of nature that is Jordan Hogg.”
Ralph & Katie won't be renewed for a second season (Handout)Leon Harrop, who plays Ralph, said: "I felt really excited and so happy that they were continuing the story of Ralph and Katie.
"I love playing Ralph because he’s funny and cheeky, he likes to look after Katie and is trying to be more independent.
"The two lead actors have special needs and lots of the people involved in the making of the show had a disability too which is fantastic."
He added: "It shows people that if you are born with a disability it’s not the end of the world. We can still have amazing lives too.
The show follows their first year of marriage (BBC / ITV Studios)"I really enjoyed it. It was very challenging as the hours were long and lots of lines to learn but we had lots of support too. It was great meeting up with new and old cast members too."
Leon and Sarah are the first actors with learning disabilities that landed lead roles in a major UK show.
Sarah previously said: “It’s important to see the person behind it, not the disability. I never think about the fact that I have Down’s Syndrome, I’m a human being.
“I love Ralph & Katie because it’s about two people with Down’s Syndrome having an independent life.