BBC star confirms their award-winning comedy will end after two series – but there’s a twist
A BBC star has confirmed that their hit series is ending after two series.
However, this might not be exactly the end of the beloved comedy show.
Sophie Willan, 36, is best known for her work on the sitcom, Alma’s Not Normal.
The series follows the eponymous character as she tries to find the meaning behind her life.
She lives in Bolton and is continuously seeking a “fabulous” outcome that she has always dreamed of for herself.
But after spending time in care, she tries to cope with the strained relationships around her, particularly from her family.
The series first made its debut in BBC Two in April 2020, and Sophie has since gone on to win multiple BAFTA Awards for her work.
As the second series is set to air on the publicly funded network, Sophie revealed it would come to an end after that.
Appearing on The Guilty Feminist podcast with Deborah Frances-White, she said: “The old-fashioned idea of that is that you have a character, they have certain traits that they cannot escape, that they keep repeating.
“Alma’s set-up [was sitcom]. And a bit in Series 2. There’s a series of events that change that.
“So by the end of the series, she’s not a situational comedy character. You won’t see her repeat the same patterns.”
The star added: “Basically, they’re not getting a Series 3. I’m done.”
However, there is still hope for more special editions of the show, as she revealed that she IS working on a special edition for the Christmas schedule.
“I want to do a Christmas special,” she exclaimed.
“They’ve commissioned the script. But I don’t want to do another series. I want to wrap up the journey.”
Best BBC comedies
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.
Adding: “She is no longer a situational comedy protagonist. They have to not learn, that’s the point.
“She’s Del Boy at the end when he gets boring and rich.”
The new series of Alma’s Not Normal will air this autumn on BBC Two, according to the British Comedy Guide.
The writer also revealed that Happy Valley star Steve Pemberton is set to join the cast.
He will play the brother of Alma’s stricken grandmother Joan (Lorraine Ashbourne), who is diagnosed with cancer.
Meanwhile, Sophie is now working on a new project with fellow actress Maxine Peake.
A new satire about the 1612 Pendle witch trials is reportedly in the works.
The first series of Alma’s Not Normal is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.