BBC Scotland is to make two, new sitcoms – for broadcasting across the UK-wide network – one of them starring well-known actress, Caroline Quentin.
Both productions are to comprise six parts. Quentin is appearing in Life of Riley, while Roger Lloyd Pack – ‘Trigger’ from Only Fools and Horses – is arguably the best-known name to be appearing in the other production, The Old Guys.
Both are to appear on BBC ONE.
Says BBC Scotland’s head of comedy and entertainment, Alan Tyler: “It is very exciting to be producing these in the Pacific Quay studios in Glasgow for both a Scottish and network audience.” Tyler will be ‘exec producing’ both shows.
Adds BBC controller (comedy commissioning), Lucy Lumsden: “It is great news that these two significant commissions for BBC ONE are coming from BBC Scotland as part of our on-going work to develop new audience sitcoms for viewers to enjoy.”
Says a BBC media release: “Life of Riley centres around second-time-round newly-weds, Rosie (Quentin) and Jim and their dysfunctional family. The ever-optimistic Rosie suddenly finds herself at the head of a modern day extended family – made up of a complication of children, stepchildren, step siblings and half siblings – with a few ex-partners and in-laws thrown in.
“The Old Guys features two elderly delinquents, Tom (Roger Lloyd Pack) and Roy, who believe there is life in the old dog yet – but it might just need a kick. That is, of course, when they are not lusting after sexy neighbour, Sally.”
Life of Riley is written by Georgia Pritchett (Smack the Pony) and will be produced for BBC Scotland by Catherine Bailey Productions Limited (Feel the Force) and will be distributed by Outright Distribution Ltd.
The Old Guys is written by award-winning writers, Sam Bain and Jesse Armstrong, with Simon Blackwell (Peep Show).
They are expected to go into production at BBC Scotland’s Pacific Quay headquarters, in Glasgow, in late summer – for Life of Riley, and October – for The Old Guys. They’ll be on our TV screens next year.
