Grey’s Anatomy star Kevin McKidd has secured a significant role in a new BBC family drama. The Primrose Railway Children, an adaptation of Jacqueline Wilson’s novel by Tom Bidwell, is a contemporary take on the classic book, The Railway Children, by Edith Nesbit.
McKidd, who has been playing Dr. Owen Hunt in Grey’s Anatomy since 2008 and also featured as Tommy Mackenzie in Danny Boyle’s iconic 1996 film Trainspotting, will portray Rob Robinson, the father in the upcoming 90-minute CBBC special. Filming locations include Glasgow, the stunning Scottish Highlands and heritage railways.
Nina Toussaint-White from Bodyguard will play his wife, Sarah Robinson. Their children will be played by rising British stars Ava McCarthy, Ida Brooke and Tylan Bailey.
McKidd expressed his excitement about the project, stating: “Reading Tom’s brilliant script was a real joy.”
He added: “It captures the spirit and emotion of the original The Railway Children, a film that I loved as a child, so it was an easy decision to come back and film this in Scotland.”
He concluded: “I’m always so proud and happy to come home and work with the brilliant crews and talents that Scotland overflows with.
“I can’t wait to step into the character of Rob and retell this reimagined British classic story alongside such an exciting cast. It will be a cinematic treat for the family.”
The narrative centres on Phoebe and her older siblings Becks and Perry, who enjoy a comfortable existence in Glasgow with their mother until they’re suddenly transplanted to the remote Scottish Highlands.
It’s a coming-of-age story about feeling out of place and navigating life in a community that feels foreign.
Tali Walters, Creative Director at BBC Studios Kids and Family productions, expressed: “BBC Studios Kids and Family productions has enjoyed a close and creative relationship with Jacqueline Wilson for many years and are thrilled to work with Tom Bidwell to bring another of her stories to the screen with such an exciting cast including Kevin and Nina, alongside tremendously exciting new youth talent.
“We are proud to be making this dramatic and ambitious production in Scotland with all it offers in terms of locations and talent, and very much looking forward to sharing it with families across the UK and around the world.”
While the release date for The Primrose Railway Children is still under wraps, the BBC has confirmed that filming commences this month.