Ricky Wilson, Josie Lawrence and Carlos Gu guest star, Nandi Bushell returns, and a new generation of talent rocks up ready for action…
The hugely popular, music-driven comedy featuring Andy (Andy Day) and his band mates, the Odd Socks, returns to CBBC and iPlayer with a rebooted series of comic capers from tomorrow – Monday, March 24.
In these ten brand new episodes, the epic songs and slapstick comedy return as Andy and the Band: Rock Star School sees the band battle to save a school threatened with demolition, aided by a talented young cast of actors, musicians and dancers.
The guest star appearances continue to come thick and fast as Kaiser Chiefs’ front man Ricky Wilson, actress Josie Lawrence (EastEnders), comedian Eshaan Akbar and Strictly star Carlos Gu join the fun. Meanwhile, multi-instrumentalist Nandi Bushell returns to reprise her role as the band’s manager, Emerald.
The core cast returns, with fan favourites Andy Day (Andy), Holly Mallet (Moxy), Marcelo Cervone (Rio), Marcus Rhamtohul (Blu), Stewart McCheyne (Cousin Mac) and Damian Williams (Whiff) reuniting. And the series showcases some brand-new talent as it introduces new stars: guitarist Buzz Fletcher (Starlight Express) as Noah; drummer Finley Walters as Lewis; dancers Seren St Hilaire and Trey Braine (Britain’s Got Talent) as Rae and Finn; classical pianist Eden Chan as Abi; and newly-discovered singer Harriet Emily Paola as Maisie.
In this fourth series, Ramshackle School is set for closure but the last few remaining pupils are determined to save it. So, who do they call? The Odd Socks of course! The band, with Andy’s Mum and Whiff in tow, set off on a heart-warming mission to not only save the school but also show everybody just how special and talented these kids are. But of course, it’s never straight forward when it comes to the Odd Socks. Can the band tackle terrible teaching methods, old foes and rogue cheesy puffs to battle the bulldozers and save the school from demolition…?
Andy Day says: “We’re really excited to burst back for Rock Star School with a new format, a great new storyline and a brilliant new young cast. We can’t wait for you to meet new characters Rae, Maisie, Finn, Noah, Abi and Lewis and see just how talented they are. As ever there’s all sorts of madness going on as we tackle our latest mission. Will we beat the bulldozers and save Ramshackle School? You’ll have to wait and see!”
Described as “modern day Monkees”, madcap musicians Andy and the Odd Socks have built up a huge following on screen and on tour, rocking out countless venues around the UK, and most recently in Australia, including appearances at Glastonbury, Bestival and at the Eurovision Village in Liverpool. And as ambassadors for Anti-Bullying Week and Odd Socks Day they continue to spread their positive message of inclusivity and respect and that children should embrace their individuality. The band’s latest UK tour takes place from 4-18 April.
Andy and the Band is executive produced by Tamsin Skan and Jon Turner and by Lucy Pryke (BBC). It is made by Ninja Pig Productions for the BBC.
