Fans of the iconic TV series McLeod's Daughters will be rejoicing this morning after news broke that a movie was finally in the works.
After eight seasons, 224 episodes and a telemovie, the series will be getting the big screen treatment.
The news was confirmed by series creator and developer Posie Graeme-Evans in an Instagram post.
She wrote: "THE STORY CONTINUES. Yes - it really does. And I'm letting you know first. We're developing a feature film. It's called The McLeods of Drovers Run and I started writing the story a couple of months ago.
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"TODAY we heard that we've got backing from Screen Tasmania and the Tasmanian Government to write the very first stage of the movie.
"This is such a vote of confidence in McLeods. And I promise, as we develop the story with the very talented screen writer Emma Jensen that I'll keep you with us every step of the way.
"We're just at the beginning, the very beginning, but we're on our way. No promises but I have such a good feeling about this. Hope I'm right."
The eighth season of the series showed that Drovers Run was in financial hardship, Ingrid's violent husband had returned and a controversial dam was being produced, among other dramatic events.
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It will be interesting to see whether the movie will highlight the current drought crisis gripping Australia or if it will be about something completely different. Will they follow on from Season 8 and show the same beloved characters several years on, or will it be a completely new cast?
Only time will tell.
This was made possible after funding was allocated to help the struggling television and film industries recover in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Cultural and Creative Industries Stimulus Package is a $3.5 million wallet, with $250,000 given to people who want to work with Screen Tasmania.
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Minister for the Arts Elise Archer said: "Although the impacts of Covid-19 have been felt by our creative industries, the pandemic has also lead to a period of intensive development for many Tasmanian screen makers.
"We are delighted to support many of them through our funding programs, creating opportunities and securing jobs.
"The project teams will be ready to seek production finance and for cameras to roll as restrictions continue to lift."
Posie's project was one of the recipients of the package and she couldn't be more excited to see the popular show get a second breath of life.
Featured Image Credit: Southern StarTopics: Entertainment, TV and Film, Australia