Latest news with #TwoDoorsDown
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Beloved BBC sitcom is revived two years after its cancellation sparked outrage from devastated fans
A beloved BBC sitcom has been revived two years after its cancellation sparked outrage from devastated fans. Two Doors Down, which began with a one-off New Year's Eve episode in 2013 before becoming a full series in 2016, follows neighbours in a middle-class Glasgow suburb. The Scottish BAFTA-winning comedy, which ran to seven seasons, documents the lives of the Baird, White and O'Neal families on the quiet Latimer Crescent. Its co-creator Simon Carlyle, who worked with writing partner Gregor Sharp on it, sadly passed away in August 2023, aged 48. After this, the show ended, with lead actors Grado Stevely and Doon Mackichan saying no more episodes were expected and it was done 'for now'. But following fan upset at the show's conclusion, it has now been announced the programme will be making a surprise return for a Christmas special this year. The festive instalment will see Latimer Crescent's finest gather at long-suffering hosts Beth and Eric Baird's house (Arabella Weir and Alex Norton) for the big day. All our favourite faces will be back, including loud-mouth Christine (Elaine C Smith) and chronic one-uppers Cathy (Doon) and Colin Whyte. Also back are Beth and Eric's affable son Ian (Jamie Quinn) and his keen bean fiance Gordon (Kieran Hodgson). The last episode, which aired in December 2023, saw sweet Michelle (Joy McAvoy) and taciturn builder Alan (Grado) return to Glasgow after eloping in Las Vegas. The lovable couple will also be returning for the Christmas special, which will be the fourth festive instalment of Two Doors Down from over the years. The sitcom has a dedicated fan base, drawing in a whopping 1.3million viewers when it debuted on BBC Two in 2016. This ballooned to 2.8million by the time the final series aired in a primetime slot on BBC One. It has also received widespread critical acclaim, winning an RTS Scotland Award for Best Comedy in 2017 and 2024 and BAFTA Scotland Best Actress for Elaine in 2018 and Doon in 2024. Co-creator Gregor, who has sadly had to forge ahead alone to write the upcoming episode, said: 'It's really exciting to be revisiting Latimer Crescent with all the regular cast for this new episode. 'Christmas is a time for getting together with friends and family and then becoming low level irritated by them, so it feels like they're the perfect group to celebrate the season with.' BBC director of comedy Jon Petrie said: 'There's something comforting about having the neighbours round for Christmas, even if they bring minor chaos. 'Gregor and the gang bring the warm laughs, sly digs and brilliantly petty moments that make Two Doors Down such a cracking comedy. 'Expect it to sparkle on BBC iPlayer and BBC One faster than Cathy can pop a prosecco.' Josh Cole, head of comedy at BBC Studios Productions, and executive producer Steven Canny added they were excited to return to Beth and Eric's 'for another torturous Christmas'. Paying tribute to the late Simon, they added: 'Gregor and Simon created a brilliantly funny show that has an outstanding cast of memorable and loveable characters and we're hugely looking forward to seeing them torment each other again.' Actress Elaine, who plays Christine, has previously mentioned Simon's tragic passing when discussing the show returning. This ballooned to 2.8million by the time the final series aired in a primetime slot on BBC One 'I think we have to be really respectful to Gregor because that was like a marriage – they had been writing together for 20 years', she said. Gregor and Simon wrote more than 40 episodes of Two Doors Down together. Elaine continued: 'Gregor's grief will be huge as they were locked in an office together for six months of the year.' Simon previously said Beth was based on his own mother Dorothy and her son Ian was written based on his experience as a gay man growing up in Ayr. He told The Scottish Sun in 2019 Ian's treatment by his family on the programme reflects how many people behaved towards gay men in the eighties and nineties. 'You'd have parents who are accepting of it and don't want to throw you out the family but are equally not comfortable enough to ask about your boyfriend', he explained. 'We tried to reflect the truth of that middle ground, the same as we did with a normal Scottish street.' Despite the programme being about a suburb of Glasgow, it is actually filmed in the Silvertonhill area of Hamilton, a town around ten miles south of the city. Co-creator Gregor, who has written the upcoming festive special, said: 'It's really exciting to be revisiting Latimer Crescent with all the regular cast for this new episode' It comes after viewers were recently delighted to rediscover another iconic BBC sitcom. Alma's Not Normal, which debuted on BBC Two in April 2020, comes from the mind of actress and comedian Sophie Willan, who wrote, created and stars in the sitcom. It follows Sophie as Alma Nuthall, a working-class aspiring actress in her thirties from Bolton, Greater Manchester, reeling from a break-up, while working as an escort. The three-time BAFTA-winning programme covers a range of topics, from addiction, to loss, to the inadequacy of public services. It also draws on some of Sophie's own experiences as a care leaver, with Alma having spent time in care and left school with no qualifications. Its two series, available to watch on BBC iPlayer, also boast a star-studded lead cast, including comedian Jayde Adams and Grantchester actress Lorraine Asbourne. Jayde stars as Alma's best friend and confidant Leanne, while Lorraine plays her grandmother Joan, who raised her when her mother Lin was unable to. Downton Abbey's Siobhan Finneran plays Lin, whose heroin addiction and mental health issues left her with a fractious relationship with her daughter Alma. After the roaring success of the pilot in 2020, the full first series launched in September 2021, to widespread critical acclaim. It won Sophie the BAFTAs for Best Comedy Writer and Best Female Comedy Performance. A second series hit our screens in October last year, winning the BAFTA for Best Scripted Comedy. The programme has a lot of fans, who have taken to social media to encourage others to watch the show too. One said on Facebook: 'One of my favourites - so well written and acted beautifully.' Another commented: 'Watched all of this, highly recommend it. Best comedy since Only Fools. It's hilarious if in need of a good laugh.' Someone else chimed in: 'I sobbed and laughed at the same time... Nothing has ever done that to me before, brilliant.'
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
BBC Two Doors Down confirms Christmas Special on the way with new cast photo
Two Doors Down was axed following the tragic death of the show's creator Simon Carlyle in 2023. The BBC has confirmed that a Two Doors Down Christmas Special is on the way, just a couple of months after one of the stars teased its shock comeback. The Scottish comedy favourite is poised for a festive return this year. The news comes after the tragic passing of the programme's creator, Simon Carlyle, at just 48 years old. The programme was axed in 2023 following Simon's death, but rumours had been swirling about a revisit. Simon's writing partner Gregor Sharp initially said he felt unable to continue the series without Simon's creative contribution. However, both the cast and devoted viewers were delighted when whispers surfaced suggesting Gregor had reconsidered and was penning a Christmas episode. Today, Thursday, July 17, BBC Scotland confirmed the return to Latimer Street by posting a photo of the much-loved cast including Elaine C Smith, Alex Norton, Jonathan Watson, and Arabella Weir reuniting for a festive episode. Kieran Hodgson, 37, who portrays Gordon, previously told the Record: "The first day on set without Simon will be tough for everyone. He was such an integral part of the filming let alone the writing. He was there every day all day. "He was our friend. He was giving us notes. He was supervising it and guiding it. "Not to have him there will be really ghostly and I can imagine there will be some tears and some moments of silence." Two Doors Down began as a standalone Hogmanay pilot in 2013, before taking three years to reach its first complete series on BBC2 in 2016. The narrative revolves around Alex Norton and Arabella Weir as Eric and Beth Baird, their son Ian (Jamie Quinn) with his partner Gordon, portrayed by Kieran, and their eclectic Latimer Crescent neighbours. This includes the forthright Christine (Elaine C Smith), the tempestuous Cathy and Colin (Doon Mackichan and Jonathan Watson), and the semi-newcomers Alan and Michelle, played by Grado and Joy McAvoy. The series, which featured six seasons and four Christmas specials on BBC2, finally struck gold when BBC bosses decided to move it to BBC1 in 2022 for a festive special. Tragically, Simon passed away in August 2023, just before the seventh series, which he had filmed, aired that November, missing the show's triumphant transition to prime time. "It's lovely that Gregor feels he can write it now," Gordon added. "I'm sure it'll be just as brilliant as it ever was." With the comeback official, anticipation is growing among viewers as to what adventures await the group when they reunite to shoot the Christmas Special . Some have already taken to social media to share their predictions. But don't worry, we don't believe in any potential spoilers. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Iconic BBC sitcom to make surprise return to screens two years after death of creator
No episodes of the BBC sitcom have been produced since the death of its creator in 2023 but the series will be back on screen for a Christmas special this year. Two Doors Down is making a return to screens for a Christmas special later this year. The BBC sitcom - which followed the lives of residents living on a Scottish backstreet - initially ran for seven series from 2016 until 2023, and it was originally thought that no more episodes would be produced following the death of creator Simon Carlyle at the age of just 48. But the broadcaster has now announced that the programme will indeed return for a festive episode, and Simon's co-creator Gregor Sharp has written the script. He said: 'It's really exciting to be revisiting Latimer Crescent with all the regular cast for this new episode. Christmas is a time for getting together with friends and family and then becoming low level irritated by them so it feels like they're the perfect group to celebrate the season with.' The ensemble cast is made up of a host of Scottish talent, with Alex Norton and Arabella Weir starring as Eric and Beth Baird, whilst Jonathan Watson and Doon Mackichan play their neighbours Colin and Cathy Whyte. Elaine C. Smith and Graeme Stevely will be back in their roles as Christine O'Neal and Alan respectively, whilst Joy McAvoy will make a comeback as Michelle, and Beth and Eric's son Ian (Jamie Quinn) will return with his fiancé Gordon (Kieran Hodgson). The action will unfold when all the neighbours pile into Beth and Eric's house to celebrate Christmas. Josh Cole, Head of Comedy, BBC Studios Productions, and Steven Canny, Executive Producer, said: 'We're so pleased to be returning to Latimer Crescent and can't wait for the audience to be back in Beth and Eric's for another tortuous Christmas. Gregor and Simon created a brilliantly funny show that has an outstanding cast of memorable and loveable characters and we're hugely looking forward to seeing them torment each other again.' Confirmation of the special comes just months after actor Kieron let slip that something was on the way as he spoke of how "though" it would be to get back together without their creator, telling The Daily Record: 'The first day on set without Simon will be tough for everyone. He was such an integral part of the filming, let alone the writing. He was there every day, all day. He was our friend. He was giving us notes. He was supervising it and guiding it. Carlyle also wrote for Changing Ends, an ITV comedy series about Alan Carr growing up in the 1980s, and BBC LGBT+ show Boy Meets Girl. There no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death, it's been reported. Jon Petrie, director of comedy commissioning at the BBC, said: "We are deeply saddened by the news of the death of our friend and colleague Simon Carlyle. "Simon was a wonderful comedy talent who, amongst many other credits, co-created and wrote the multi award winning series Two Doors Down. His warm comic voice shone through these characters, garnering huge audience affection, and firmly establishing it as a long-lasting sitcom favourite. Our sympathies are with his family and friends at this difficult time." His death came before the seventh series of the sitcom went to air, and it eventually moved from BBC Two to BBC One for broadcast, although all episodes are now available on BBC iPlayer. Around the same time, actor Grado claimed that there would be "no more" episodes produced, and the production team spoke of how "deeply saddened" they were by the news of Simon's death. The sitcom's production team added: "We are deeply saddened by this terrible news. Simon was a brilliant, funny, mercurial and magnificent human being. He had a microscopic fascination with what makes funny things funnier and we were so lucky to have known him. He was at the centre of all the work we made together and his loss will be felt profoundly by all of us. We send love and support to his family and friends." "Farewell @Simoncarlyle - I am totally devo'ed by your leaving us. The laughs won't ever be the same. Sleep well pal. #RIPSimonCarlyle," one Twitter user wrote this evening, as another fan tweeted Caryle's Twitter account saying: "I'm devastated to hear you're no longer with us. We started speaking when #TwoDoorsDown very first came on TV. Thanks for always being so kind to me and thank you for such an incredible show! I'll miss our little chats. Thinking of everyone who knew you. Love."
BBC News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Two Doors Down returns for Christmas
Multi award-winning Scottish sitcom Two Doors Down is set to return with a new Christmas special. Produced by BBC Studios Comedy Productions it will mark two years since the last series aired. The residents of Latimer Crescent will congregate at Beth (Arabella Weir) and Eric's (Alex Norton) house to celebrate Christmas. The neighbours are all back: Christine (Elaine C Smith), Cathy (Doon Mackichan) and Colin (Jonathan Watson), Alan (Graeme Stevely) and Michelle (Joy McAvoy), plus Beth and Eric's son Ian (Jamie Quinn) and his fiancé Gordon (Kieran Hodgson). Two Doors Down started as a one-off special in 2013. Created and written by Simon Carlyle and Gregor Sharp, there have been seven series and three previous Christmas specials. The comedy has seen a steady growth in audiences since the series began, from 1.3m* on BBC Two in 2016 to a 28 day audience average of 2.8m** for the last series, after it moved to BBC One. It has won many awards, including an RTS Scotland Award for Best Comedy in 2024 and 2017, and BAFTA Scotland Best Actress awards for Doon Mackichan in 2024 and for Elaine C. Smith in 2018. Gregor Sharp, who has written the new Christmas special, says: 'It's really exciting to be revisiting Latimer Crescent with all the regular cast for this new episode. Christmas is a time for getting together with friends and family and then becoming low level irritated by them so it feels like they're the perfect group to celebrate the season with.' BBC Director of Comedy Jon Petrie adds: 'There's something comforting about having the neighbours round for Christmas, even if they bring minor chaos. Gregor and the gang bring the warm laughs, sly digs and brilliantly petty moments that make Two Doors Down such a cracking comedy. Expect it to sparkle on BBC iPlayer and BBC One faster than Cathy can pop a prosecco.' Josh Cole, Head of Comedy, BBC Studios Productions, and Steven Canny, Executive Producer, say: 'We're so pleased to be returning to Latimer Crescent and can't wait for the audience to be back in Beth and Eric's for another tortuous Christmas. Gregor and Simon created a brilliantly funny show that has an outstanding cast of memorable and loveable characters and we're hugely looking forward to seeing them torment each other again.' Louise Thornton, BBC Scotland's Head of Commissioning says: 'I'm delighted to be working with our network comedy colleagues to bring Two Doors Down back to our screens for a festive special. It holds a very special place in the heart of our audiences and we're looking forward to seeing what Christmas treats will be unwrapped with our friends at Latimer Crescent.' Watch Two Doors Down on BBC iPlayer and add to your Watchlist Two Doors Down (1 x 30) is a BBC Studios Comedy production for BBC One, BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer. It is written by Gregor Sharp. The director is Ben Gosling Fuller and the producer is Mark Bignell. It was commissioned by Jon Petrie, Director of BBC Comedy and Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning for BBC Scotland. The executive producers are Steven Canny and Josh Cole for BBC Studios. Commissioning editors for the BBC are Seb Barwell and Gavin Smith. BBC Studios are handling global sales. * BARB 28 day consolidated data source ** BARB 28 day 4 screen as viewed data source MJ Follow for more
BBC News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Two Doors Down in surprise return with Christmas special
Scottish sitcom Two Doors Down is to make a surprise return to the BBC the end of the year with a Christmas special. It has been two years since the last series aired following the death of its creator Simon Carlyle in August award-winning comedy was first broadcast as a one-off in 2013, with seven series and three Christmas specials Gregor Sharp, who wrote the new episode, said it was "really exciting" to be returning to Latimer Crescent with all the regular cast. The Christmas episode sees the neighbours congregate at the house of Beth and Eric, played by Arabella Weir and Alex returning to the cast are Elaine C Smith, Doon Mackichan, Jonathan Watson, Graeme Stevely, Joy McAvoy, Jamie Quinn and Kieran Hodgson. BBC director of Comedy Jon Petrie adds: "There's something comforting about having the neighbours round for Christmas, even if they bring minor chaos."Gregor and the gang bring the warm laughs, sly digs and brilliantly petty moments that make Two Doors Down such a cracking comedy. "Expect it to sparkle on BBC iPlayer and BBC One faster than Cathy can pop a prosecco."Carlyle and Sharp originally wrote the show as a one-off special before it was commissioned in 2016. They went on to write more than 40 episodes together. The first series drew an audience of 1.3 million when it began on BBC Two in 2016. This grew to 2.8 million for the last series on BBC programme won an RTS Scotland Award for Best Comedy in 2017 and 2024, and Bafta Scotland Best Actress awards for Smith in 2018 and Mackichan in a 2019 interview with The Scottish Sun, Carlyle said Arabella Weir's character Beth was inspired by his own mum Dorothy, and that Beth's son Ian - played by Jamie Quinn - drew on his experience of coming out as gay while growing up in said Ian's character was treated like many gay men were in the 80s and 90s."You'd have parents who are accepting of it and don't want to throw you out the family, but are equally not comfortable enough to ask about your boyfriend," he said."We tried to reflect the truth of that middle ground, the same as we did with a normal Scottish street."
