Channel 5's Play for Today has returned with a second series of standalone films, beginning with the survival dramedy Wild, airing on Friday, September 25 at 9pm. The new season arrives twelve months after the broadcaster relaunched the programme, which originally appeared on the BBC during the 1970s and 80s.
Six original films and new talent
The latest series features six original films that uphold the strand's commitment to supporting emerging talent both in front of and behind the camera. It creates opportunities for first-time writers, directors, and crew members, helping to open pathways for those traditionally underrepresented in the television sector.
Wild follows three old friends, Lou, Dev, and Alistair, who maintain their annual wild camping ritual. Their trip starts with banter, nostalgia, and amateur vlogging, but gradually descends into a clash of egos, secrets, and survival when they become lost, provisions dwindle, and friendships splinter.
Cast and characters
Daniel Mays stars as Lou. He said of his character: "He's stuck in a rut and mentally he's still back at uni with his mates. He wants to hold onto that time even though he knows the dynamic has shifted." Mays added: "There's a David Brent-esque, Alan Partridge quality about him, because he's got all the gear but no idea. Lou loves vlogging with his GoPro, which was fun for me to film because we improvised a lot, but he isn't particularly good at it! I really wanted to push his likeability with the audience."
Mays is best known for his role as Danny Waldron in Line of Duty, alongside appearances in A Thousand Blows and The Thursday Murder Club. His credits also include Moonflower Murders, Franklin, The Long Shadow, Code 404, White Lines, Good Omens, and Porter.
Joel Fry plays Al. He said: "He's quite a balanced man in general, his life is good, but when he connects with his old friends and tries to be young again that makes him unbalanced! Like a lot of guys, Al and his mates Lou and Dev go camping to try to capture something of their younger years and get into contact with something very basic." Fry added: "But friendships and people change over the years, and a big part of the story is the fact that Al has become a dad, but his friend Lou hasn't. Al feels some pity for Lou that he's so desperate to stay in the past, and he tries to reassure his friend Dev that it's normal to move on and settle down."
Fry is known for Alice and Steve, Inside No. 9, and Paddington in Peru. He also appeared in eight episodes of Game of Thrones as Hizdahr zo Loraq, alongside roles in W1A, Requiem, Plebs, and Ordinary Lies.
Amit Shah plays Dev. He said: "Al is married with kids, while Lou is a bit of a loner and quite isolated - he lives his life like a child in some ways. My character, Dev, is in the middle – he's about to take that first step towards commitment with his girlfriend, by moving to another country with her, but he is still connected to his mates and feels torn." Shah added: "He's still trying to retain the person he was as a University student. He's scared because he doesn't know whether this is going to be the right step for him, and he has to deliver this news to his best friends. He goes on a huge journey through the drama, and by the end, he makes a big discovery, which his friends guide him through."
Shah is best known for Murder Before Evensong, Mr Bates Vs The Post Office, and Happy Valley, where he portrayed Faisal Bhatti. His other credits include The Revenge Club, The Long Call, and Crashing.
Plot and broadcast details
Channel 5 stated: "At once funny, poignant, and unsettling, Wild explores the line between adventure and recklessness, and how toxic masculinity has become a huge part of the epidemic decline in men's mental health. It's written by Lewis Wren and directed by BRICK."
Play for Today returns to Channel 5 on Friday, September 25, at 9pm.
