Latest news with #BBCsitcom
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Office star recalls being ‘intimidated' by Ricky Gervais before joining the show
Ralph Ineson has claimed that he was 'intimidated' by Ricky Gervais when he first appeared in The Office. The 55-year-old actor, who stars in The Fantastic Four: First Steps as Marvel villain Galactus, first rose to fame in 2001 when playing the thoroughly unlikable Chris 'Finchy' Finch in the BBC sitcom. Finchy, a sales representative on the show with an incredibly offensive sense of humour, appeared in seven episodes of the comedy and is practically hero-worshipped by Gervais's character David Brent. Although 'Finchy' was a standout on the series, Ineson has revealed that he had personal doubts as to whether he could match the early high standards that the likes of Gervais, Mackenzie Crook, Martin Freeman and Lucy Davis had set on the show. 'I remember being really terrified. How brilliant they were, the central four, firing off each other,' the actor told The Guardian. 'I was slightly intimidated. My first thought was: 'S***, can I do this?'' Ineson, who was sent a VHS of The Office's pilot episode before filming his parts, decided to play the character as a Yorkshireman and used his own accent so he didn't have to worry about 'keeping up with the rest of them'. Although it gave Finchy a distinctive characteristic, Ineson said it was a 'big mistake' as fans, for years later, assumed 'that I wasn't acting; that was just my personality'. 'So having people thinking you're Chris Finch, looking at you with amusement, but also a bit of disgust, a bit of fear – he's just such a s***ter. It's not a nice skin,' he explained. Ineson also said that it proved difficult for his career as, for a long while, he 'just got offered w***ers, racists, misogynists and homophobes.' The actor's comments arrive after Ineson admitted that his role, as the gigantic Galactus in The Fantastic Four, got him in trouble with his wife. Speaking to Empire about preparing for the part, Ineson admitted that, in order to get into Galactus's headspace, he had to think large. This included driving through the tunnels of Mont Blanc in the Alps and 'imagining that was his windpipe and his trachea'. However, this type of contemplation did prove to be detrimental, at least in the eyes of his wife. 'I also went to a lot of tall buildings. We went to a wedding at the top of the Gherkin building in London, and I spent most of the afternoon just staring out, ruminating. I got in trouble with my wife – she was like, 'You've got to say hello to the bride and groom at some point!''
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
REVEALED: Gavin And Stacey crew member who left Mathew Horne in tears was a Barry Island favourite who complained of chest pains just weeks before his death
The Gavin And Stacey crew member whose death reduced Matthew Horne this week was driver Rob Picton, a father-of-four. Earlier this week, lead actor Horne, who played Gavin Shipman in the iconic BBC sitcom, announced Rob's death in tears to fans during an 'In Conversation With...' show. He said: 'Sorry. I got distracted. Earlier on... we had a driver on the finale called Rob and he was in his early 40s... and I found out via the Whatsapp group earlier that he has passed away and I got slightly distracted there. 'It's really really sad. I got distracted by losing Rob. He was a really lovely guy and he's left a four year old behind and that is really really really sad.' Rob was a driver for the show, but was also locally known in South Wales as a DJ and producer, going under the name Joe Blow. He was pictured on location for a shoot of the final ever Gavin and Stacey episode last year, with actor Rob Brydon visible in a video posted to social media. Just weeks before his shock death, Rob shared to friends and family how he hadn't been feeling well - and was sent home from work with chest pains Proud of his involvement in the show, Rob had gushed on Facebook at the time: 'Who's that Handsome Guy driving Uncle Bryn and Gwen around then? Send in your answers on the back of a postcard.' In January this year, Rob shared a snap of him with Larry Lamb, describing him as 'Uncle Larry' in a sweet post. He penned on X: Always lovely to catch up with uncle for an xmas treat.' Just weeks before his shock death, Rob shared to friends and family how he hadn't been feeling well - and was sent home from work with chest pains. He posted on July 17: 'To everyone who has been trying to get hold of me, I will be back in touch, I'm not ignoring you. Got sent home from work a few days ago with chest pains and been wiped out ever since with Esophagitis.' Thanking his brother and partner Shariffa for their support, he added: 'It's sucks not being able to swallow food or drink without being in excruciating pain, as anyone who knows me knows its my favourite thing to do.' Rob was a well-respected DJ and club promoter in Wales, with his involvement in the local music industry spanning two-and-a-half decades. He had previously shared his nightclub appearances and events from across Wales on his Instagram account to fans. Rob had worked as a driver for the final of Gavin and Stacey and proudly posted about his involvement in the show on Facebook A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Rob's family following his passing, with over £3,000 raised so far The dad-of-four had two daughters and two sons, with his youngest son only celebrating his fifth birthday in June Rob also ran his very own car business, called Pictons Motors, though the company was dissolved in 2023 after five years in business, according to Companies House. The dad-of-four had two daughters and two sons, with his youngest son only celebrating his fifth birthday in June. Proudly marking his little boy's big day, Rob had shared pictures of his birthday as he opened his presents. Rob had previously served a year in prison after pleading guilty to assaulting a man at a nightclub while working as a bouncer at the time. He was jailed in 2020 after admitting to causing the then 21-year-old victim grievous bodily harm along with another colleague. Previously speaking about his time in prison, Rob said he was locked up for 23 hours of the day. He told the ACE Podcast Nation: 'It wasn't great obviously, nobody wants to go to prison. 'Cardiff prison is a smelly old place, you know, it f***ing stinks of p*ss like.' He added: 'You're stuck in a cell so it's just you, yourself and your thoughts for months on end.' A GoFundMe page has been setup following Rob's passing, with Gavin and Stacey star James Corden leading the donations with £1,000. The actor, who played Smithy, did not leave a comment but signed his name to the generous donation towards Picton's funeral costs. At the time publication the fundraiser had so far raised £3,295 - over halfway to the goal of £5.5k. A friend of Rob, who created the page, shared a snap of him in a car, and said: We've now received a little more information about our dear friend Rob Picton. 'While we still don't fully know the reasons or circumstances around his sudden passing, what we do know is that Rob was proud — proud of his children, his work, and the life he lived. 'Just a few weeks ago, I was sitting in the car with him, chatting about his birthday weekend and his kids. It's still hard to believe he's no longer with us.'
Times
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
Osteopath disciplined for calling patient ‘Nora Batty'
For a generation of Last of the Summer Wine fans, Nora Batty epitomised northern womanhood — hair perpetually in curlers, stockings wrinkled, husband under her thumb. But an osteopath has learnt the hard way at a disciplinary panel hearing that flippantly comparing a patient to the iconic character from the long-running BBC sitcom amounts to 'unacceptable professional conduct'. Peter Rees, an osteopath based at a clinic in Stourbridge, was said to have referred to a woman patient by the name of the character played by Kathy Staff, renowned for her jousting with thwarted suitor Compo, who she routinely saw off with a broom. The complaint regarding Rees was heard by the conduct committee of the General Osteopathic Council, which ruled that he had made the Nora Batty quip during an appointment.
Daily Mail
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
I'm an Only Fools And Horses superfan and Sir David Jason was a family friend - he showed his true colours away from the BBC show
'Lovely jubbly', 'plonker' and an ever increasingly bizarre use of the French language - it could only be one programme. Only Fools And Horses, the BBC sitcom about two south-east London market trader brothers, won its away into the nation's hearts as soon as it hit our screens in 1981. Created by the inimitable late John Sullivan, it starred Sir David Jason as Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter and Nicholas Lyndhurst as his little brother Rodney. And the pair were joined in Peckham by a host of beloved supporting characters, including Grandad (Lennard Pearce) and Uncle Albert (Buster Merryfield). As one of the most iconic British sitcoms of all time, running for seven series until 2003, its stars were bound to become the stuff of acting legend. It means when a fan recently revealed online what David, 85, was really like in person, keen Only Fools viewers jumped at the chance to find out. Created by the inimitable late John Sullivan, it starred Sir David Jason as Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter and Nicholas Lyndhurst as his little brother Rodney (pictured) They posted on discussion site Reddit: 'My mate's dad was good friends with David and used to run a B&B in Weston-super-Mare. 'Over the years, "Uncle David" would pop by now and then and my mate would also see him at family gatherings and events.' David has had an illustrious career outside Only Fools too. He has starred variously in detective series A Touch Of Frost, grocery shop sitcom Open All Hours and fifties-set family life comedy The Darling Buds of May. But it is ambitious Cockney Del Boy, known for his catchphrase, 'This time next year, we'll be millionaires!', who seemed to capture the user's family the most. They continued: 'As you can imagine, whenever he showed up, people couldn't resist asking him to "do a bit of Del Boy". 'He always politely declined, until one unforgettable occasion. After a bit of friendly badgering, David finally gave in. 'My mate said he took a deep breath and in that moment, everything about him changed - his posture, his expression, even the way he stood. They posted on discussion site Reddit: 'My mate's dad was good friends with David and used to run a B&B in Weston-super-Mare' 'It was like Del Boy had walked into the room. For the next 20 minutes, Del Boy was the life of the party, giving everyone a performance they'd never forget.' The heartwarming anecdote shows the funny, nice man David is off as well as on screen - perhaps putting paid to the idea you should never meet your heroes. But fans might have to cough up a hefty sum to do so at an upcoming fan event. David is set to appear at the Only Fools and Horses Appreciation Society Convention in Milton Keynes in October. It has been revealed, though, that the price for tickets for a professional photo opportunity with the actor in the Trotter flat set starts at an eye-watering £350. Any fans who want a signed photo mount and dinner as well as the image will have to find an astonishing £550 for the so-called 'platinum' tickets. Despite the premium price tag, no selfies or autographs will be allowed. The event's website reads: 'Due to time constraints, Sir David will not be signing any items across the convention weekend. 'We kindly ask you do not bring anything to attempt Sir David to sign as it will not be permitted. We will have staff on call to ensure this in fairness to everyone. 'There will be NO "selfies" with Sir David Jason. 'Selfies are left to the discretion of the other guest actors, although most are very happy to pose for a photograph if asked politely.' It comes after Only Fools fans recently had another amazing revelation about David. Even the staunchest observers have only just realised the TV legend, born David John White in 1941, has an older brother who is also a famous actor. Arthur White, 91, starred next to his brother in several episodes of A Touch of Frost where he played PC Ernie Trigg in the police crime drama. He also appeared briefly along with his brother in two episodes of The Darling Buds of May back in 1991. In 2008, he worked with David again on the comic fantasy The Colour of Magic where he played a character called Rerpf. In other work, Arthur appeared in time travel sitcom Goodnight Sweetheart in 1996. The series also starred his brother's Only Fools co-star Nicholas, who played Del Boy's brother Rodney, in the lead role of Gary Sparrow. From 1995 to 2001, Arthur starred in the ITV fire service workplace drama London's Burning, before appearing in police procedural Heartbeat. He has also been seen on a episode of Holby City in 2016, in which he played the part of Sidney Bickton. His other television credits include include Doctors, Family Affairs, Grange Hill, The Professionals and many more roles dating back to the 1950s. More recently, Arthur featured in 13 Hours That Saved Britain, a documentary which delves into the events of the Battle of Britain. In the film, he shared his personal experiences of living in London through World War Two and residing in the capital during the Blitz.
The Sun
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Controversial BBC sitcom confirms return to TV after racist slur apology – and it's just weeks away
A CONTROVERSIAL BBC sitcom has been confirmed to return to TV despite the show's star being forced to apologise over a racial slur. The Beeb have officially revealed the show will be back for a fifth series and it's only weeks away. 3 3 Mrs Brown's Boys will return for its fifth series on Friday 1st August at 9:30pm on BBC One. The BBC tease: "Agnes Brown and the gang from Finglas are back! "Everyone's favourite Irish Mammy returns for a brand new fifth series featuring all your favourite characters, so get ready for more slapstick shenanigans this spring!" The BBC's head of comedy, Jon Petrie added: "Brendan has created an iconic comedy character in Agnes Brown. "Mrs. Brown's Boys is a BAFTA-winning comedy show and one of the BBC's most-watched comedies ever. I'm proud to have it in the BBC Comedy stable." The BBC have also reportedly commissioned a full series of a new comedy starring Mrs Brown's Boys star Brendan O'Carroll alongside Tommy Cannon. Filming on the series is due to commence in July and will air on BBC One. Titled Shedites, Mrs Brown's Boys star Brendan Carroll plays the lead role 'Jimmy', with Tommy Cannon starring as his best friend. Produced by BBC Studios, Brendan's Mrs Brown's Boys co-writer Paddy Houlihan scripted Shedites. Speaking to The Irish Sun in December 2023, Brendan shared: 'I've been advocating for the BBC to make this show for a long time because as well as being really funny, it highlights men's mental health. Mrs Brown's Boys star insists racist joke at Christmas special filming 'was a good thing' for the BBC because it 'raised awareness' 'It's not something men talk about, but it's got easier because of the men's shed movement which has sprung up in UK and Ireland. 'There's a kitchen, a card table and all that but even more important, men can go there and talk through their problems.' It comes following calls from Jon Petrie, The Director of Comedy at the BBC, to "save our sitcoms." He previously said: "If our comedy eco-system is shrinking, then it's on all us to fight for the right of UK mainstream comedy to exist. Best BBC comedies A BBC boss called on the industry to "save our sitcoms", but the corporation has a history of fantastic shows. We look back at some of the best to ever grace the screen. Fawlty Towers (1975-1979) - Only two series were made of the beloved institution. However, the cultural impact of the series starring John Cleese and Connie Booth spans decades. It follows rude and intolerant Basil Fawlty (Cleese) as he attempts to improve the reputation of his hotel. Only Fools and Horses (1981-2003) - The show was crowned by some as the best British sitcom of all time by a TV poll in 2004. Seven series were broadcast on BBC until 1991 with additional sporadic Christmas specials airing until 2003. Sir David Jason starred as ambitious market trader Derek "Del Boy" Trotter whilst Nicholas Lyndhurst played his younger half-brother Rodney. Set in working-class Peckham in south-east London, it follows the highs and lows of the lives of the Trotters', in particular their brazen attempts to get rich. Blackadder (1983 - 1989) - Four series were made of the iconic show, created by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson. Each series spans a different historical period as anti-hero Edmund Blackadder (Atkinson) tries to better himself in each society. Accompanied by his dogsbody Baldrick (Tony Robinson), trouble always ensues. A TV poll in 2004 found that Blackadder was voted the second-best British sitcom of all time Absolutely Fabulous (1992 - 2012) - Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley star as failing PR guru Edina 'Eddie' Monsoon and alcoholic fashionista Patsy Stone. The pair embark on heavy-drinking sessions and abuse drugs in a desperate attempt to stay 'hip'. Eddie constantly chases bizarre fads and fails to lose weight whilst her disappointed and neglected daughter Saffy (Julia Sawalha) looks on. Little Britain (2003 - 2006) - The premise is simple. A sketch show which features different British people from all walks of life that are engaged in all sorts of comical scenarios. Starring Matt Lucas and David Walliams, the pair created iconic pop culture characters. Viewers loved obnoxious council estate teenager Vicky Pollard, morbidly obese scrounger Bubbles Devere, slimming coach Marjorie Dawes, despondent office worker Carol Beer, disgraced politician Sir Norman Fry, of course the iconic Lou and Andy! The Catherine Tate Show (2004-2015) - A sketch show starring the likes of Catherine Tate. She made iconic characters such as rowdy schoolgirl Lauren Cooper with her line 'Am I bovvered?'. Other characters featured Bernie the nurse, the aga saga woman, complaining couple Janice and Ray, and of course her infamous 'Nan', Joannie Taylor. The last character herself spawned multiple specials and even a movie. Gavin and Stacey (2007 - Present) The series tells the story of Gavin (Matthew Horne) and Stacey (Joanna Page). The pair embarked on an online and telephone romance for six months. But when they finally decide to be together properly, their friends and family get in the way. Ruth Jones and James Corden created the beloved show, which has been going for over a decade. The 2019 Christmas special was the most-watched comedy in 17 years and the most-viewed non-sporting event in a decade. "The sitcom isn't dead but it needs a couple of Berocca. And a black americano with two sugars." News of the Mrs Browns boys return comes after Brendan O'Carroll was forced to issue a grovelling apology after he cracked a 'joke' using the N-word in front of a junior member of production who was so upset they later quit. Last year, the BBC temporarily halted filming of the show's Christmas special after Brendan made the attempted gag which he later admitted it had backfired. A TV insider said: 'Virtually everyone in the room on the day that the outburst happened were shocked, but the reading continued for some time without anyone saying or doing anything as they were so stunned. 'There was no excuses for what he said or any kind of context or mitigation he could provide for making the slur, he just seemed to think it was amusing.' Brendan said of the incident: 'At a read-through of the Mrs Brown's Boys Christmas specials, there was a clumsy attempt at a joke, where a racial term was implied. 'It backfired and caused offence, which I deeply regret and for which I have apologised.' 3
