With filming of the eighth season of Wentworth officially underway, these are the three heritage Prisoner characters set to stir up trouble

While Wentworth fans around the world are still reeling from that season seven finale – in which a handful of lives were lost during the deadly prison siege – get prepared, as season eight promises to have you on a knife’s edge once more!

In some thrilling casting news, it’s been revealed that three new cast members will join the action when the final 20 episodes of the series begin airing early next year on FOX SHOWCASE.

Even more exciting is the revelation that the newcomers – each of whom is sure to stir up plenty of controversy and drama from either side of the bars – are actually reimaginings of heritage Prisoner characters: inmates Rebel ‘Reb’ Keane and Lou Kelly, and new general manager Ann Reynolds.

Of course, the trio will be joined by returning character Joan ‘The Freak’ Ferguson who, it was revealed in the closing moments of season seven’s gripping finale, somehow escaped her muddy grave after being buried alive by Will Jackson (Robbie Magasiva). What the?!

Foxtel Insider sits down with Wentworth’s newest arrivals to get to know them a little better…

Ann Reynolds – played by Jane Hall (Neighbours)

“This is the most exciting role of my life,” Hall gushes. “It’s awe-inspiring. The three of us just can’t quite believe this is happening. It’s been a wonderful feeling to know, at the back of my mind, that we had this coming to fruition.

“In name, yes, we are playing heritage characters, but our characters are doing very different things. Ann very much owns a room when she walks into it. She has this real duality – she has this lovely, gregarious, friendly, warm, loving, loyal side, but at the end of the day she is fierce and she’s been brought in to pull Wentworth out of this hole – and she’ll do whatever it takes. Someone has to pay the price for the siege, don’t they?”

Lou Kelly – played by Kate Box (Upright)

“It’s so freaking exciting, I love Wentworth,” Box tells us. “I’ve always liked the show, so to join it is a bit of a pinch yourself moment. But because I’m playing a character that would show no fear, you have to kind of suppress the giddiness, keep it cool. I have such deep admiration for the creatives of this show, so to be able to sit in that first read through [of the episode one script] and read opposite them and read their words, it’s just really thrilling.

“Lou is rad. So before Jacs (Kris McQuade) and before Bea (Danielle Cormack) there was Lou Kelly. Lou got kicked out of Wentworth for various reasons before the series began – she was moved to a different prison – she was released, she’s reoffended and she’s now back in. She has history with a few people. She’s a total survivor. She’s incredibly good at crime, she’s strong, she has no issue getting her hands dirty and she can use violence to get what she needs. At the heart of Lou is this deep love for Reb. It’s a mad love story.”

Rebel ‘Reb’ Keane – played by Zoe Terakes (Janet King, The End)

“It’s phenomenal to be part of the cast,” Terakes reveals. “Terrifying because it’s so established and so amazing. On the first day I was pretty nervous, because I’m 19. But after the first day, it’s like instant family – everyone’s so welcoming. It’s like the night before Christmas every day.”

“Reb is a trans guy. He’s beautiful. He’s not who you would expect to see in prison, but he comes in with his partner and major love of his life, Lou. Lou’s a former Top Dog of Wentworth and Reb’s never been to prison, so he’s understandably terrified and timid and shy and gentle. It toys with gender and power in a really beautiful way, because if we’re talking archetypal relationships, Reb’s the guy and Lou’s the girl – except that Lou’s the protector and has all the power and dominance.”

Wentworth s1-7 available to stream now

Words: Carolyn Hiblen