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Sophie McLaughlin

Meet the cast of Derry Girls series 3

Who knew that when we would be introduced to the Derry Girls and the wee English fella in 2018, their story would resonate across the world. The Channel 4 hit comedy series by Lisa McGee has put Derry on the map.

It has produced endless laughs and heart-warming moments over the past two series. But all great things must come to an end - the third series, set to air on April 12, will sadly be the last, and fans cannot wait to see what the girls (and James) get up to this time.

In case you have forgotten them while they've been away - which we doubt you have - here is a refresher on the cast ahead of series 3:

Read more: Watch brilliant trailer for new series of Derry Girls

The Girls (and the wee English fella)

Erin Quinn

Played by Derry native Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Erin is a wannabe writer and a bit of a drama queen. She's kind of the leader of the gang, and a lot of the action takes place in her house.

Pretty, naive and a little bit of a goof, she's desperate to grow up. According to the show's writer Lisa McGee, Erin is probably the character closest to herself.

Michelle Mallon

Michelle lets on she's the most mature of the group - but like the rest of them, she doesn't really have a clue. Played by another local actress, Jamie-Lee O'Donnell, her strong Derry accent and killer one-liners make her the star of the show in many episodes.

Her cousin James tags along with her and her mates and although she gives the wee English fella a seriously hard time, her love for him can be clearly seen at the end of series 2 when she reminds him he's a Derry Girl at heart.

Clare Devlin

The schoolgirl, played by Galway actress Nicola Coughlan, came out as gay at the end of series 1. She's a nervy kid, a bit of a telltale, and does a fair amount of whining while her more adventurous mates push the boundaries.

Nicola revealed she watched videos of Nadine Coyle when she was figuring out how to do the Derry accent. She revealed that due to scheduling conflicts with her role in Bridgerton, Clare's role has been slightly reduced this series - and we are heartbroken.

Orla McCool

More cousins here, Orla is Erin's first cousin and the daughter of Aunt Sarah. She lives in a world of her own, a true individual, and rolls her own way in everything she does.

The Dublin actress behind the character, Louisa Harland, loves her individuality - and says she watched videos of her co-star Saoirse-Monica Jackson when she was perfecting her Derry accent for auditions. She may not have a clue what is going on most of the time, but that's why we love her.

James Maguire

Played by Dylan Llewellyn, poor James is Michelle's cousin and is absolutely tortured for being English. He is the only lad in the all-girls school, he is often one to stand out.

The actor, from Reigate in Surrey, loves his involvement in the show and reckons Derry has become a second home. The Derry Girls themselves have assured him he's the most loved English man in Ireland since Jack Charlton - an accolade he's very happy to accept.

In series two, James gave one of the most heart-felt moments of the show when he came to rescue and took Erin to the prom when her date stood her up. Now fans have been speculating whether we will see romance blossom.

The Family

Erin's family are the chief supporting cast, with Granda Joe played by Ian McElhinney a standout star. Exasperated Da Gerry is played to perfection by comedian Tommy Tiernan and her Ma Mary is a fabulously fussy mother, played by the brilliant Tara Lynne O'Neill.

Kathy Kiera Clarke is hilarious as ditsy Aunt Sarah, whose out-there one-liners are an absolute hoot and you can just never know what she is going to say next - wonder where Orla gets it from. All the antic that the girls get up to are perfectly rounded up by the performances of Erin's family and spot appearances from the likes of Michelle's mother and the 'big bowl' debacle.

Sister Michael

Sister Michael deserves a slot of her own. Played by the hilarious Siobhan McSweeney, the acerbic nun takes no nonsense from the teenagers at their Derry convent school and delivers some serious burn to the girls.

Speaking ahead of the series 3 premiere, Siobhansaid her life is "completely different" since playing Sister Michael. She said: "It's changed everybody's lives, everybody that it's touched - like my life is completely different since playing that nun.

"It was weird taking off the costume for the last time because like we know it's the last time and there isn't sort of 'oh maybe her and Fraiser off in some spin off'. No it's not going to happen."

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