The Teacher on C5 and My5: Inside series 2, including cast, start date, and how plot differs from series 1
By Helen Fear | Fri Sep 06 2024The Teacher is back on Channel 5 and My5, and series 2 has had a bit of a facelift.
Those who watched the first series of the C5 thriller will know that it aired more than two years ago - to mixed reviews.
While Sheridan Smith's performance as a disgraced teacher was mostly applauded, the plot copped some criticism (and not without good reason). But Channel 5 was not put off from recommissioning it. And, truth be told, we're glad to have it back...
Channel 5 thrillers are our guilty pleasure, and this is EXACTLY the kind of entertainment we fancy as the nights get colder and darker.
So what's series 2 of The Teacher on Channel 5 all about? Who is in the cast, when's the start date, and how does the plot differ from series 1?
What is the plot of The Teacher on Channel 5?
The Teacher series 2 follows the story of Dani, a teacher who loves her job. She's described as a real mentor and inspiration to her students. However, her personal life isn't quite as successful. What she lacks is a properly functioning marriage with real intimacy and mutual desire.
Dani begins an impulsive affair with a fellow colleague that, at first, answers all her needs, but soon spirals out of control… And when a pupil goes missing on a school trip, Dani rightly blames herself for being too easily distracted.
We're told: "When things start to take a sinister turn, Dani is forced to lie, and quickly finds her life falling to pieces. She risks everything to right the wrongs that she has, in part, been responsible for."
Writer of The Catch, Michael Crompton, penned the series with Silent Witness' Rebecca Wojciechowski.
How many episodes is The Teacher series 2?
Channel 5 series The Teacher will return with four new episodes.
Each instalment will be one hour, including ad breaks. Like many C5 thrillers, it will run over four consecutive nights, from Monday to Thursday, on C5 and My5.
Who is in the cast?
Kara Tointon leads the cast as teacher Dani, who embarks on a foolish affair at work. Of course, EastEnders fans will know Kara for playing Dawn Swann in the BBC soap. She also famous for winning Strictly Come Dancing, and her roles in Mr Selfridge, The Halcyon, and Dream Team.
Will Mellor will play Dani's husband Jimmy. Former Hollyoaks star Will recently broke hearts in Mr Bates vs. The Post Office. Like Kara, he's also showed off his moves on Strictly.
Meanwhile, Irish actor Emmett J. Scanlan – who recently starred in Michelle Keegan drama Fool Me Once - will play Dani's tempter Tim.
Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer, UK at Paramount said: "We have an incredibly talented cast on board and I can't wait for them to bring this story to life. This is another gripping and exciting story evolved from The Teacher which was a huge success for the channel."
How can I watch The Teacher? When is the start date?
Series 2 of The Teacher lands exactly when a school drama should arrive - at the start of the school year, in September 2024.
The first episode airs on Monday, September 09, 2024 at 9pm on Channel 5 and My5. The four-part series will then air over consecutive nights until Thursday's finale.
How does the plot differ from The Teacher series 1?
The first series in the anthology aired in 2022. Sheridan Smith portrayed teacher Jenna, a popular staff member at a middle school.
However, her life fell apart when young student Kyle (Samual Bottomley) accused her of sexual misconduct. At the time, the teacher was drunk, and barely remembered what happened…
Jenna became determined to discover the truth about that night, as the tatters of her life fell around her. You won't find any spoilers here, but the series is currently available to watch on Netflix.
Like the upcoming series 1, The Teacher series 1 had a cracking cast of popular TV actors. However, the series did receive criticism - for it's borderline preposterous plot twists, and from real teachers who declared that it did not reflect the reality of working in a school.
