TV star unrecognisable in BBC reboot 7 years after Netflix stardom-Robert Oliver-Entertainment – Metro

Maria Pedraza is back on British TV screens this year (Picture: BBC/Moonage Pictures/James Pardon)

A brand new season of The Famous Five has officially been announced by the BBC – and one new cast member has completely transformed since they first appeared on UK TV.

The Enid Blyton adaptation – starring child actor Diaana Babnicova, 90s comedy actor James Lance, and Game of Thrones villain Jack Gleeson – started on the BBC in 2023.

Now a second season has been commissioned after the original three-part story was a hit with viewers, and a name familiar to Netflix viewers is joining the cast.

However, while some audience members might spot her name and remember it, it might take some BBC viewers a little more time to recognise Spanish actress Maria Pedraza.

The actress and model, 28, first became known over here for her work on the Netflix crime drama Money Heist, on which she starred as Alison Parker in the first season back in 2017.

Back then, aged 21, she played the daughter of the British ambassador to Spain, who, along with dozens of other characters, became a hostage during an heist attack on the Royal Mint of Spain.

Maria had quite a different role in the past, starring in Money Heist on Netflix (Picture: Netflix)

Unbeknownst to her, however, Alison was actually a key component of the heist, with The Professor (Alvaro Morte) fully aware she would be visiting the Royal Mint at the time.

Fans felt that Alison’s storyline fizzled out, however, and Maria didn’t return for any future seasons – the show came to an end in 2021 after five seasons.

The award-winning first season of the Spanish series was one of Netflix’s biggest hits of the Covid-19 pandemic years, with the streaming giant having acquired it from the Antena3 channel in Spain.

After leaving Money Heist in 2018, Maria moved over to Spanish series Elite, in which she played Marina Nunier Osuna in the show’s very first season.

Money Heist was one of the biggest Netflix shows of the pandemic era (Picture: Netflix)

The Famous Five is coming back for a second season (Picture: BBC/Moonage Pictures/James Pardon)

Now, with filming for the second season of The Famous Five under way, the Money Heist actress is taking on a completely different kind of role, joining the cast alongside His Dark Materials star Amir Wilson and Poldark actor James Wilby.

In new promotional images released by the BBC, Maria is shown in character as Gabriela – it’s not yet known what role Gabriela will play in the lives of Enid Blyton’s beloved characters.

However, Gabriela’s regal dress is a world away from the college uniform Maria wore when she played student Alison in the first season of Money Heist all those years ago.

Maria and Jason Fernandez have been dating for over a year (Picture: Jose Oliva/Europa Press via Getty Images)

The BBC says its Famous Five adaptation ‘follows the daring young explorers as they encounter treacherous, action-packed adventures, remarkable mysteries, unparalleled danger and astounding secrets.

‘Series two takes our heroes into strange and challenging waters as they face life during wartime – and the hazards of growing up.’

Away from TV, Maria confirmed her relationship with fellow actor Jason Fernandez on Instagram last year, with the couple now having been together for 12 months.

She shared the news with her 10.1 million followers on Instagram, and in May 2024 referred to Jason as her ‘soulmate’ in an intimate picture.

Watch Money Heist on Netflix. Watch The Famous Five on iPlayer.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Entertainment – MetroRead More