Channel 4 is adding to the cast of Ackley Bridge. Robert James-Collier (Downton Abbey) and Charlie Hardwick (Emmerdale) have joined the cast of the high school drama for its upcoming third season, which is now filming in Halifax. 
Channel 4's school drama series Ackley Bridge (formerly known as The ABC) will premiere on Wednesday June 7th at 8pm, it has been announced. 
Channel 4 has pledged to boost their spend on programming aimed at teens (10-14 year olds) to £5 million by 2018, up considerably on the current budget of £3 million. Content aimed at that demo that can be played in the 8pm time-slot will be a decided focus. Channel 4 has given the greenlight to The ABC, a week-night drama series inspired by the broadcaster's Educating... franchise, which hails from nascent production company The Forge.