First look at glam Michelle Keegan in Ten Pound Poms season 2 as BBC kicks off production on new episodes

THE BBC has dropped behind-the-scenes pictures of a glammed-up Michelle Keegan in character while filming the second season of Ten Pound Poms. 

In February, the broadcaster announced that a second season of the hit show had been commissioned despite fears of an axing after a string of cost-saving cuts.

Now, in newly released pictures, Michelle can be seen in character as nurse Kate Thorne. 

In one snap, the star beamed at the camera with her usual 1950s hairdo as she donned a stripey, colourful top and wide-legged blue trousers while holding a clapper. 

In other snaps, the Fool Me Once star is surrounded by the production make-up and hair team, who are busy fussing with her locks. 

Elsewhere, Michelle and cast mate Faye Marsay, who plays the role of Annie Roberts, are standing with one of the production team while reading their lines.

Written and created by BAFTA award-winning Danny Brocklehurst, the first successful series followed a group of Brits who migrated to Australia after WW2 in 1957 and embarked on a life-changing experience on the other side of the pond. 

Season two will continue to follow nurse Kate Thorne, played by Michelle, and the Roberts family, led by Faye Marsay and Warren Brown, as they strive to make a fresh start while following their dreams in their new territory.

The BBC also revealed that the new season of Ten Pound Poms will also be introducing some exciting new characters in series two, including the unethical land-lord Benny Bates and the Skinner family, who have recently arrived from Ireland. 

Also returning for series two alongside Michelle and Faye is Warren Brown, who plays Terry Roberts, as well as Australian actors Rob Collins as Ron, Leon Ford as Bill, Declan Coyle as Stevie, Stephen Curry as JJ, Hattie Hook as Pattie, Finn Treacy as Peter, Emma Hamilton as Sheila and Cheree Cassidy as Marlene.

Filming for the new season began in Australia in mid-February. 

The first season of Ten Pound Poms series is available to stream in full on BBC iPlayer.