Ralph & Katie: BBC's The A Word spin off teased in trailer

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For viewers unfamiliar with BBC’s The A Word, the series centred around a young boy, Joe Hughes (played by Max Vento) and how he and his family adjust to his autism diagnosis. Also in the series was Ralph Wilson (Leon Harrop), and when viewers last saw him he had just married Katie Thorne (Sarah Gordy), who both live with Down’s Syndrome. The spin-off show Ralph and Katie explores how the two are finding married life and the way in which they experience the highs and lows.

Explaining the inspiration for the BBC series to Express.co.uk and other press, director Jordan detailed: “I never wanted to do a show about disabled people.

“This is about us as humans, how we get through life and how we all try to get through life as best we can.

“It’s like the British version of This Is Us,” he added.

Jordan, who lives with cerebral palsy himself, talked about how he wanted to “change the world” by making opportunities accessible to all people.

He continued: “I think the audience will very quickly learn that everybody needs a bit of Ralph and Katie in their life.

“It’s just unadulterated joy at times. The stories we talk about, these issues don’t just affect disabled people, they affect all of us.

“All of us at some times are going to be in the situations that Ralph and Katie are in at times, and it’s these stories that we connect to.

“When I direct a show, I have to find my heart in it, which obviously this show is full of, but I have to find something that resonates with people and connects to everybody. And this show has got something that anybody can relate to at any time.”

This Is Us aired its final season on NBC in the USA earlier this year, exploring the uplifting and at times heartbreaking story of a family across several decades.

Although Ralph and Katie sticks to one time period, the drama delves into relatable and real-life ups and downs.

The A Word became a favourite with viewers when it aired between 2016 and 2020, and the spin-off sees a different story told, with a few of the familiar characters explored in a deeper way.

Although Ralph and Katie enjoyed the perfect wedding, the series demonstrates through the pair that marriage brings its own challenges and questions – about love, independence, how to deal with the in-laws and what the future might hold.

Explaining the fresh ways in which the series was directed, Jordan explained how he tried to cater to all the cast’s individual needs.

He stated: “People are sick of me saying it, I kept saying ‘we are going to change the world.

“And the things we put in place behind the scenes –  we had coaches who helped us out immensely, we had interpreters, everything.

“We were pioneering, sometimes it didn’t work, sometimes it did.

“Everyone has different needs but for me, every disabled kid has a dream, and we should move heaven and earth to make whatever that child’s dream is accessible.”

Following in the shoes of its original series, the show has proved popular with viewers.

Ahead of the final episodes, which are also available to watch in bulk on BBC iPlayer, many have taken to social media to applaud the show.

Twitter user @genevievebarr wrote: “Tonight is the FINAL two eps of #ralphandkatie. For those who haven’t binged it all, Ralph’s Balls and The Motherships by @tomthetwit and @LizzieWatson_ are funny, poignant and timed as beautifully as you’d hope – sending the series off in style.”

@dylbradyy added: “The final 2 episodes of #RalphAndKatie are on at 9pm tonight on bbc one. you have the whole day to catch up on bbc iplayer if you haven’t binged already. you won’t want to miss them.”

@SuzeTwelve penned: “Absolutely adore this brilliant series and it’s wonderful characters #RalphandKatie.”

@MichelleLou2010 added: “Finally catching up on #RalphAndKatie so honest & laugh out loud funny  fabulous acting by all.”

“Absolutely loving watching #ralphandkatie @theaworduk on @BBCOne – amazing scenery, brilliant storylines and absolutely incredible acting. Now this is worth the license fee. Thank you to everyone involved,” AgeingLock68 stated.

@amycleach remarked: “#RalphAndKatie has been my end of tech days treat this week and it’s glorious. Such warmth emanating from the screen. Beautifully, carefully made with a fantastic representation of disabled people on and off-screen. Well done to all involved in creating it.” (sic)

Ralph and Katie continues on Tuesday at 9pm on BBC One.

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