BBC announce new comedy series in a bid to win back viewers after calls to ‘save’ sitcoms
TWO popular comedy stars have teamed up to record a BBC project amid calls to ‘save’ sitcoms.
The 30-minute pilot episode is said to focus on men’s friendship and mental health – although filmed, it appears no decision has been made on its future yet.
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.
“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.
“The sitcom isn’t dead but it needs a couple of Berocca. And a black americano with two sugars.”
“We’re asking you to do something really ambitious and help save our sitcom. It’s what audiences want to see.”
Meanwhile, the Beeb previously confirmed that the popular Mrs Brown’s Boys would return for two more festive specials.
These are expected to air on Christmas Day 2024 and New Year’s Day 2025, respectively.
Brendan plays the title of Agnes Brown, while the show launched on January 1, 2011, although it has largely focused on festive specials since 2013.
In addition to the 68-year-old, several of his family members also appear in the programme.
His wife Jennifer Gibney plays Cathy Brown, Agnes’ daughter while sister Eilish stars as Agnes’ best friend and neighbour, Winnie McGoogan.
Brendan’s children Danny O’Carroll and Fiona O’Carroll respectively play Buster Brady and Maria Brown.
As for Tommy Cannon, he is perhaps best known as the straight man of comedy double act Cannon and Ball, alongside Bobby Ball.
Having worked together since the 1970s, their partnership came to an end with Bobby’s death in 2020, aged 76.
The duo had appeared together in programmes such as Celebrity Coach Trip and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
Mrs Brown’s Boys is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
