My Mad Fat Diary to return for third and final series in summer 2015

A new gang member is set to join the cast for the last series

My Mad Fat Diary, based on the real-life diaries of Rae Earl, was a hit last year for E4, which is hoping to repeat its success when the second series airs this month (Channel 4)

Rae Earl and her gang will return to our screens for the third and final time this summer, Channel 4 has confirmed.

The third series of My Mad Fat Diary follows the gang in 1998 as “real life” post-college looms on the horizon, just as Rae was beginning to get teenage life nailed.

Chloe has ambitions to attend business school, Finn wants to settle down and Rae struggles to get down to her university applications.

Cast favourites Sharon Rooney, Nicolas Mirallegro, Jodie Comer, Jordan Murphy, Ciara Baxendale, Dan Cohen, Claire Rushbrook and Ian Hart will return for the third series, alongside a new addition to the group played by Fresh Meat and Glue actress Faye Marsay.

Glue's Faye Marsay will join the cast of My Mad Fat Diary

Adapted from Rae Earl’s real-life diaries, and subsequent book My Fat, Mad Teenage Diary, the new series is written by George Kay.

Piers Wenger, head of drama at Channel 4, said: "My Mad Fat Diary has touched the hearts of the E4 audience and it is with both sadness and pride that we announce filming on the third and final series.

“But anyone expecting Rae Earl to go quietly will be sorely mistaken. We're delighted to welcome back Mad Fat's exceptional cast, led by Sharon Rooney, as Rae faces her greatest challenges yet".

Rooney, who has played the loveable but troubled teenager since 2013, said: “It has been a privilege to tell Rae’s story. My Mad Fat Diary has been a huge part of my life and, although I am sad that this amazing rollercoaster ride is almost over, it's not over YET. We have more drama, more tears and more rude bits to bring you.”

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