Disney Europe Middle East & Africa (EMEA) today announced that the star of Disney Channel’s Liv and Maddie and Descendants will be joining Disney’s The Lodge, in a recurring role for season two. Dove Cameron will play Jess, a confident, sporty girl who lives locally to The Lodge. Jess has been training for a big mountain biking championship for pairs of riders for a while, and is determined to do even better this time. But when her partner Max is injured in the qualifier, she has one of the boys from The Lodge in her sights as a replacement…
The Lodge became the highest rated series debut on Disney Channel UK in the last four years and accompanying digital content has already received over 14 million views. The show has had strong performances in Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway, with other EMEA premieres scheduled for later in 2017.
The Lodge is a life affirming rollercoaster that in the first series saw 15-year-old Skye’s journey of self-discovery as she moves from a big city to a new and exciting rural life. The second season will see the core cast face new challenges, attempt to solve a new mystery and navigate emotional relationship and friendship stories.
Returning cast includes British actors Sophie Simnett who plays lead character Skye, Jade Alleyne, Thomas Doherty, Luke Newton, Jayden Revri, Joshua Sinclair-Evans, Bethan Wright; as well as Martin Anzor, Marcus Garvey, French actor Tom Hudson, and Dan Richardson. Mia Jenkins joins the cast as a new series regular.
Music continues to play a big role in season two with 11 brand new original songs planned, including three even bigger musical numbers which will be available online. Additionally the series will again be supported with bespoke digital content to continue the characters’ stories online – giving fans of the series even greater insight into characters and storylines outside of the linear transmission.
Raymond Lau (Dani’s Castle CBBC), from Zodiak Kids Studios UK production arm will return to produce the 15 x 22 minute season. Steven Andrew (Secret Life of Boys, CBBC/ABC Australia) and Sue Nott (Coping With Relatives, The Ant & Dec Show) will serve as executive producers, and Lee Walters (Wolfblood & 4 O’Clock Club) will continue on as head writer. Dez McCarthy, Julie Edwards and Max Myers are directors for the series.
David Levine, Vice President, Programming, Production and Strategic Development, Disney Channels EMEA and General Manager, Disney Channels UK & Ireland comments: “Dove is already loved by fans as a part of the Disney Channel family, so I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome her to The Lodge for season 2.”
Dove Cameron added: “I’m really excited to be joining The Lodge, it’s such a friendly cast and crew, and I feel really welcomed here for my first filming in the UK! I’m also looking forward to getting out on a bike as well as singing and dancing for the series.”
Disney EMEA drives the investment in the development, production and acquisition of animation and live-action programming for both European and global distribution. Disney EMEA has already achieved great success with series such as Violetta, The Evermoor Chronicles, Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir (Disney Channel); PJ Masksand Art Attack (Disney Junior); Counterfeit Cat, and Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja (Disney XD).
