Foxtel now has its longest running local drama series ever with Wentworth renewed for a fifth season.

Production will begin next month in Melbourne on 12 new episodes for 2017.

Inspired by the original TEN drama Prisoner, created by Reg Watson, the show has attracted critical acclaim, fan frenzy, Pay TV ratings and industry awards.

Foxtel Head of Drama Penny Win said “Wentworth has gone from strength to strength over the past four seasons. Not only is it an international television success story, now showing in 141 territories, it is a ratings blockbuster and fan favourite for Foxtel audiences. We are extremely proud of this long-running drama juggernaut.

“It was a very easy decision to commission a further season of this brilliantly constructed and crafted program from our production partner FremantleMedia. There is a lot in store both for the women behind bars and those on the outside.”

FremantleMedia Australia Director of Drama and executive producer Jo Porter said “As season four comes to a close, the audience has witnessed a dangerous shift in the power base at Wentworth which is building to an unmissable conclusion next week.

“Wentworth has built a reputation for delivering a world with unexpected twists and turns where no

character is safe. The season’s end provides a chilling platform for our script producer Marcia Gardner and the writing team to shape the next chapter for our regular characters, along with some new faces in the yard and on the outside. With series producer Pino Amenta at the helm, our ambition to keep lifting the bar and reward our audience both locally and internationally couldn’t be stronger.”

Season 4 finale premieres at 8:30pm next Tuesday on SoHo, but Foxtel are not releasing any preview episodes -in a daring hint of an explosive finale:

Episode 12 – Bea awakes blissfully happy after a night with Allie but it is the eve of Ferguson’s trial and the Freak has been relentless in putting the final touches to her scheme for freedom and exoneration. She’s pitted Bea and Kaz against each other again and sparked chaos for Vera and Will with a full blown investigation into the drug trade within the prison. Liz becomes convinced of Sonia’s innocence and then Don puts an offer to Liz which could change her life. Maxine is committed to the chemotherapy and her prison family rallies around her. On trial day Ferguson’s passing comment about collateral damage refocuses Bea’s attention. Bea calls Franky for help on the outside as the intricate web of Ferguson’s strategy is revealed.

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