Netflix star unrecognisable in first-look at BBC's reboot of classic children's story

Netflix star Maria Pedraza looks unrecognisable in her latest acting role. The Spanish actress is due to star in the BBC's second series of The Famous Five, which is currently being filmed.

Many TV fans will recognise Maria, 28, from her role in hit Netflix series Money Heist. The actress starred as Alison Parker in the first season of the show, which aired in 2017.

Then aged just 21, Maria played the daughter of the British ambassador of Spain, who was held hostage during the heist at the Royal Mint of Spain. Maria didn't appear in any more series of Honey Heist, despite her character being an integral part of the first season's plot.

Following her Money Heist role, Maria began starring in Spanish TV series Elite. She portrayed Marina Nunier Osuna in the first season of the show. The actress has also starred in films such as Las niñas de cristal, Awareness and El Correo, and appears in the TV series Toy Boy as Triana Marin.

Now, she's set to star in the second season of The Famous Five. Maria is joining the cast alongside Amir Wilson and James Wilby, with the new series currently in the works.

New promotional images released by the BBC on 16 September show Maria in character as Gabriela. It has not yet been revealed what role Gabriela will play in the show, which focuses on the characters from Enid Blyton's much-loved books.

Maria can be seen wearing a regal dress and glamorous make-up in the promotional image, while standing in a doorway looking into the distance. She sports red lipstick with her hair in bouncy curls, looking worlds away from her Money Heist role.

The second series of The Famous Five will see Diaana Babnicova return as George, alongside Elliott Rose as Julian, Kit Rakusen as Dick and Flora