A new BBC comedy series based on The Young Offenders will begin filming in Cork today. Written, directed and executive produced by award-winning filmmaker Peter Foott, the series will film for eight weeks at locations across the city and county.

The TV show will again follow Conor and Jock (Alex Murphy and Chris Walley, reprising their roles from the feature film), two troubled but likeable teenagers who hatch plans and adventures to help distract from their tough home lives and their inability to stay out of trouble at school.

Many of the characters of the original film will reprise their roles, including Conor's long suffering mother Mairead, the exasperated Garda Sergeant Healy and local fun-loving thug Billy Murphy. Comedian PJ Gallagher will return in new role as principal Principal Walsh.

The Young Offenders was commissioned for BBC Three and made in association with RTÉ.