Westside returning for third season, but who is the mystery guest?

Photo of Rita, Wolf, and Ted West in Westside, supplied for TimeOut only

The westies of Westside's West family will be back on our screens next year, NZ On Air has confirmed.

The 80s period drama, a prequel to the popular Outrageous Fortune, has just received funding support for a third season, which will screen on TV3 next year.

Series creators Rachel Lang and James Griffin say the third season will take place in 1982 and will mix historical events with the fictional world of Ted, Rita and son Wolf West.

"The Wests and New Zealand in the 80s provide such a rich bed for drama it would be difficult to resist seeing where the writers can take us next," said NZ On Air Chief Executive Jane Wrightson.

Some of the possibilities include a family outing to the first Warehouse, which opened in Takapuna in 1982, Wolf getting his boogie on to DD Smash's Cool Bananas, which went to number one in the charts, or the excitement of New Zealand winning five gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in Brisbane.

"We are thrilled to support this well-made, quintessential kiwi drama again," she said.

Wrightson wasn't the only thrilled one thrilled by the announcement.

In a written statement Andrew Szusterman, chief content officer for Mediaworks, said, "We are thrilled New Zealand's favourite Westies will be returning to our screens next year."

He also teased, "the possible return of one of New Zealand's best loved characters..."

But who could it be? Thingee? Doctor Ropata? Suzy Cato? Only time will tell...