Latest news with #RobBrydon
Daily Mirror
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Gavin & Stacey's Rob Brydon lands new role – with striking Uncle Bryn likeness
Gavin and Stacey star Rob Brydon has landed an exciting new role as he plays an oddball, while Michael Palin is back doing comedy as BBC line up host of new funny shows Gavin & Stacey star Rob Brydon has landed a new comedy series as part of a host of new BBC sitcom announcements. Rob plays middle-aged divorcee Bill Beam who staves off financial ruin by renting his spare rooms to students. The character sounds a bit like Uncle Bryn from Gavin & Stacey. Warm-hearted and eager but neurotic and slightly overbearing, Bill is thrilled by the youthful energy his lodgers bring – but baffled by their indifference to his laminated house rules and colour-coded cutlery. He's torn between wanting to be part of the gang – sharing banter, keeping up with trends – and clinging to his role as responsible adult. The show, called Bill's Included, is written by Ben Ashenden and Alexander Owen. Rob Brydon says: 'I can't wait to get started with this, to speak the wonderful words written by Alex and Ben who've done such a great job on the script.' Brydon's comedy was one of a host announced by the BBC yesterday at their own comedy festival in Belfast which include new projects for Diane Morgan and Lenny Rush. The Office star Mackenzie Crook has also written a new project which will see a return to comedy for Monty Python star Michael Palin. The line up includes: Diane Morgan sitcom Ann Droid about a social humanoid robot designed to keep elderly people company, exploring the hilarious intersection of technology and human connection Supernatural family sitcom Reluctant Vampire starring BAFTA winner Lenny Rush Small Prophets , created by BAFTA winner Mackenzie Crook, starring Pearce Quigley, BAFTA winner Sir Michael Palin and BAFTA winner Sophie Willan Stuffed , starring Guz Khan as an office worker who gets an unexpected Christmas bonus and takes his family to Lapland, only to find that he has to pay the money back The return of series Only Child, Funboys, The Young Offenders and Golden Cobra BBC Director of comedy Jon Petrie said: 'The BBC continues to be the biggest single investor in original comedy content in the UK. And for the second year running eight out of the top 10 scripted comedies were on the BBC. Created, written by and starring some of the UK's most brilliant homegrown talent, I'm really proud of the shows we have announced today and can't wait for BBC viewers to see them.' He added: 'Great comedy always comes back to the fundamentals: brilliant characters, sharp jokes, a unique voice. Those are the elements that endure – not massive sets or casts of thousands. 'Our priority is to keep our shows affordable and distinctive, because comedy doesn't need explosions and continuous shots, it needs punchlines, authentic voices, and that gleeful point of view that no algorithm can touch.' Six part series Small Prophets is a comic tale of eccentric Michael Sleep (Pearce Quigley) who, since his darling Clea disappeared seven years ago, has lived a very ordinary life. He eats Shreddies, works in a DIY store, visits dad Brian (Sir Michael Palin) and hopes for Clea to return. Filmed and set in and around Manchester the series incorporates visually stunning animation elements throughout as we tell a story of friendships and hope, the magical and the mundane, and where secrets and lies lurk in a suburban cul-de-sac. Mackenzie Crook said: 'Like all my best ideas, this one has been percolating for nearly a decade and is finally ready to see the light of day. It's wonderful to be working again with my friends Gill Isles and Pearce Quigley and to realise a long-term ambition of collaborating with animators Ainslie Henderson and Will Anderson.'
Wales Online
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Gavin & Stacey's Rob Brydon's massive comedy career update as BBC makes announcement
Gavin & Stacey's Rob Brydon's massive comedy career update as BBC makes announcement TV presenter and actor Rob Brydon will be back on our screens in a new BBC One comedy series (Image: Getty Images ) Would I Lie To You presenter and Gavin and Stacey star, Rob Brydon will be fronting a new comedy series for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The Baglan-born actor will become Bill Beam, a middle-aged divorcee who staves off financial ruin by renting his spare rooms to students in the new series, Bill's Included. The series is written by Ben Ashenden and Alexander Owen and produced by Baby Cow, the company founded by Rob's the Trip co-star, Steve Coogan and TV producer, Henry Normal. The series will include six 30 minute episodes of the comedy that we have become accustomed to with Rob Brydon. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . Rob Brydon said: "I can't wait to get started with this, to speak the wonderful words written by Alex and Ben who've done such a great job on the script." His character has been described by the BBC as a "warm-hearted and eager but neurotic and slightly overbearing", which sounds very reminiscent of his incredibly famous Gavin and Stacey character. He is excited for the energy that his new young lodgers bring, although he can't quite fathom why they don't like his house rules or colour-coded cutlery. He's torn between wanting to be part of the gang - sharing banter, keeping up with trends - and clinging to his role as responsible adult. Article continues below I'm confused, are we not just describing Uncle Bryn? Regardless, the series looks at how the group navigate living together, emotional moments and the surprising parallels between university life and midlife crisis. The writers Ben Ashenden and Alexander Owen, actually met at university and have used a lot of their own experiences to influence the series. The said: "When we first met as students, we bonded over Human Remains and Marion and Geoff. To now be writing a show in which Rob Brydon lives with students is both a dream come true and a weirdly specific full circle moment. "We're thrilled to be working with the amazing teams at Baby Cow and the BBC and can't wait to bring Bill Beam to life. Bill's Included, you're invited, we're excited." BBC's Director of Comedy, Jon Petrie added: "Rob Brydon has given us some of Britain's most beloved TV characters over the years and we're about to get another one! Article continues below "Paired with the razor-sharp writing talent of Ben Ashenden and Alexander Owen, Bill's Included delivers exactly what audiences want - a warm, character-driven sitcom with genuine laughs and heart at its core. We're delighted to have this on BBC iPlayer and BBC One and can't wait for audiences to move in with Bill and his lodgers." They are yet to announce when the series will be available to watch, but keep an eye out for more information.
Wales Online
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Gavin and Stacey star's next project announced but fans will have to wait to see it
Gavin and Stacey star's next project announced but fans will have to wait to see it Gavin and Stacey star Rob Brydon is set to star in a new BBC animation Gavin and Stacey star Rob Brydon has landed an exciting new role (Image: (Image: PA) ) Gavin and Stacey star Rob Brydon has landed an exciting new role however fans have to wait a while before they can watch it. The actor, 60, who is known for his role as Uncle Bryn, will star in new BBC animation The Scarecrows' Wedding, which is based on the hit book by Julia Donaldson. The half-hour animated special features an all-star voice cast with Rob voicing Reginald Rake. Meanwhile co-star Jessie Buckley will voice Betty O'Barley and Domhnall Gleeson as Harry O'Hay. The storyline will be led by Sophie Okonedo, who is the Narrator and viewers will be able to watch the new film this Christmas on BBC iPlayer and BBC One. The Scarecrows' Wedding is an enchanting story about two devoted scarecrows, Betty O'Barley and Harry O'Hay, who are planning a wedding to remember. The actor is well known for his role as Uncle Bryn on Gavin and Stacey Article continues below Ruth Jones shares huge career update after Gavin and Stacey finale READ MORE: The synopsis continues: 'When Harry insists on leaving the farm to collect one last thing for their big day, a smooth-talking scarecrow named Reginald Rake swoops in with plans of his own. 'Chaos follows, and soon Betty's in danger and everything's at risk. Can Harry get back in time and save the day? Full of heart, humour and adventure, this is the joyful tale about loyalty, love and learning that the most important thing isn't a grand gesture – it's simply being together.' Speaking about the movie, Rob's co-star Jessie Buckley said: "I love this story. The film has so many beautiful little moments but I love the scene where the first glimmers of love get expressed between Harry and Betty – the anxiety and the tentativeness around that.' BBC and Magic Light Pictures announce The Scarecrows' Wedding, based on the hit book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler She added: 'They're both edging closer and closer to being in the relationship, realising that they want to be together… we've all been there. It's all about young love, and recognising what's important to you in life. " The film is the 13th animated special that Magic Light Pictures have produced for the BBC. Last year's animation, Tiddler, saw an audience of 7.3 million and the highest audience share on Christmas Day for a Magic Light Pictures film since The Gruffalo in 2009. Article continues below Director of BBC Drama Lindsay Salt added: 'We're incredibly proud of our enduring partnership with Julia, Axel and Magic Light Pictures, and can't wait to bring the Scarecrows' big day to millions of viewers across the UK this Christmas. "Much like the wedding itself, this charming, funny and exquisitely animated adventure has all the perfect ingredients.' The Scarecrows' Wedding will air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One this Christmas.
Edinburgh Live
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
BBC schedule changes confirmed to make way for Eurovision 2025
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The upcoming Eurovision Song Contest is set to trigger a significant revamp of the BBC's TV schedule in the run-up to this year's Grand Finale. This year, the glittering event is slated for Basel, Switzerland following their entrant Nemo's triumph in the 2024 contest with the song 'The Code'. At 25 years old, Nemo made Eurovision history as the first victorious openly non-binary competitor. Furthermore, it marks the first time that the Swiss have clinched the Eurovision title since a youthful Celine Dion achieved victory in 1988, catalysing her storied career trajectory. Waving the Union Jack at this year's Eurovision will be the girl group Remember Monday, pitching their track 'What The Hell Just Happened? ' Topping the girls' impressive resume is an appearance on The Voice UK back in 2019. Charlotte Steele, Holly-Anne Hull, and Lauren Byrne, who form the country pop trio, are not just bandmates but also inseparable pals, reports the Mirror. Upping the stakes, Remember Monday has vowed to ink an enduring tribute should they secure a win or even a spot within the Top Five. Holly disclosed: "We've said that if we get top five or above the whole team will get WTHJH? tattooed." Echoing the pledge, Lauren announced: "And also if we come dead last with nil points, that's also worth a tattoo." However, the thrills of Eurovision could spell disruption for regular viewers, as the beloved competition - broadcasting nightly up to the final showdown on Saturday, May 17 - is poised to overshadow the BBC's regular programming lineup. The semi-finals broadcasting earlier in the week will lead to a scheduling clash with popular programmes such as Who Do You Think You Are? , which typically airs at 9pm on Tuesday nights. However, BBC plans to slot the first semi-final into the 9pm spot on Tuesday, May 13. Viewers looking to delve into celebrity history can tune in to Who Do You Think You Are? on Monday, May 12 instead. West End sensation, Bad Education actor, and Strictly Come Dancing star Layton Williams will take centre stage, delving into his ancestry and revealing captivating family tales. Meanwhile, Strictly stalwart Anton Du Beke shared his disappointment after being overlooked for the show due to a case of mistaken identity; producers confused him with Gavin and Stacey icon Rob Brydon. Anton revealed that he almost had the chance to be featured on the genealogy show, but the opportunity was rescinded after they realised he was not Rob Brydon. The 58 year old expressed his eagerness: "I have a real interest in history. I was approached for Who Do You Think You Are? but they mistook me for Rob Brydon. When they found out I wasn't him, they were less interested." Anton, who has at times even signed autographs as Rob, commented: "This is not the first time someone's confused us and I doubt it'll be the last. I do hope Who Do You Think You Are? come knocking on my door again." Follow Mirror Celebs on social media platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Threads for more celebrity updates.
Daily Mirror
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'Let's hear it for the long-running, unsung heroes of TV, as they win a BAFTA'
The one thing you can be sure about when it comes to the Bafta TV Awards is that it's impossible to predict who will go home with a gong. On Sunday night many big shows who'd done well in the nominations came away empty-handed, including The Traitors (up for three), Slow Horses (also three) and Rivals (three again). But it did turn out to be a very good night for the long-running underdog, with several previously unsung small-screen heroes leaving with their hands full of golden mask. In the entertainment category, Would I Lie to You? has run for 18 series and been nominated a whopping eight times, but never left with the prize. Its triumph this time, after so many near misses, sparked a hilarious comment from team captain Lee Mack about presenter Rob Brydon having fronted the adverts for this year's sponsor P&O Cruises. 'The whiff of scandal is in the air,' Brydon laughingly agreed. It's understandable they were a bit worried about returning to filming the latest series today, having potentially 'peaked'. 'The BAFTA winning series is finished and statistically this is probably the beginning of another non-BAFTA winning series,' Mitchell gloomily quipped afterwards. 'It does feel a bit like when the old fellow at work gets the carriage clock,' Mack agreed. 'You know he's not going to be around next year." There was similar surprise from BBC Breakfast, who made a debut win in the news category for a special report on the Post Office scandal. Collecting the award, the programme's editor Richard Frediani thanked the brave contributors before dedicating the award to all those who 'toil through the night' to make early-bird programming. 'Breakfast TV has been around for more than 40 years and has never won this award - so this is for everybody who's ever worked in breakfast TV,' he declared. It was a similar story in the live event category, won by BBC Studios Music Productions for its extensive Glastonbury coverage. Collecting the award, executive producer Alison Howe was greeted with wild applause as she said: 'This is such a big moment for us. We've been covering the Glastonbury Festival for the BBC for nearly three decades - and this is our first Bafta.' There's no way that Strictly Come Dancing could be described as an underdog, as it has many Baftas to its name. But it does seem fitting - for its 20th anniversary year - that the show became the first ever to win twice in the category voted for by the public. Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell made a little bit of history as they followed in the footsteps of Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice from 2021. And EastEnders also managed to triumph in its 40th anniversary year, which must have been particularly sweet for outgoing boss Chris Clenshaw on the day that Danny Dyer made headlines for saying the show has been 'sh*t' since he left. Bafta begged to differ - and we know Danny loves Bafta don't we? Because he won one too.
