EastEnders star’s comedy axed by streaming bosses after just one series
EASTENDERS star’s comedy show is axed by streaming bosses after just one series on our screens.
The show, which aired in November 2024, followed the crew of a franchise movie trying to make a new blockbuster hit.
Sam Mendes’s HBO superhero satire series The Franchise has been cancelled after just one season.
The show is centred around a behind-the-scenes look at a film that’s part of a larger superhero film franchise.
Himesh plays the role of Daniel, the first assistant director as he deals with everyday problems working on Tecto: Eye of the Storm, which is a minor film in the franchise.
Also starring in the series were Lolly Adefope, Jessica Hynes and Richard E Grant, who played a British actor who brings both disdain and theatrical flair to his role.
An HBO spokesman told Deadline: “We’re so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with the tremendously talented team behind The Franchise, especially Sam Mendes, Jon Brown, Armando Iannucci, and this hilarious ensemble of actors.
“While we won’t be moving forward with another season, we look forward to collaborating with all of them in the future.”
Himesh,34, is a British actor and began his career portraying the quiet and geeky Tamwar Masood in the BBC soap EastEnders in 2007.
A secret comedian, one of his character’s storylines involved his website where he made fun of other EastEnders characters including the beloved Dot Cotton.
On 12 March 2016, it was announced that Tamwar and his girlfriend, Nancy Carter (Maddy Hill) would be leaving the show.
Of his departure, Himesh said he was “looking forward to new challenges, perhaps on the stage or behind the camera.
“Whatever awaits me, I’ll miss my family at EastEnders immensely – they’ve watched me grow from boy to man and supported me every step of the way. It’s been a true privilege to work alongside them.”
Since then he has had roles in the successful Channel 4 sitcom Damned where he played a social worker.
He then went on to star as struggling musician Jack Malik, who suddenly finds himself as the only person who remembers the Beatles and becomes famous for performing their songs in the hit film Yesterday (2019).
In the science fiction action thriller Tenet he played the role of a fixer alongside stars John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Michael Caine, and Kenneth Branagh.
EastEnders' 40th anniversary cameos so far
With the 40th anniversary of EastEnders coming up, fans are looking forward to some more incredible cameos from iconic faces of Walford's past. But who have we had so far?
Tracy-Ann Oberman – Oberman returned as Chrissie Watts, a character she last played nearly two decades ago.
Paul Bradley – Bradley returned as Nigel Bates, a character he last played over 25 years ago.
Micheal French – French returned as David Wicks, a character he last played two decades ago.
Patsy Palmer – Palmer returned as Bianca Jackson, a character she last played in 2019.
Coming up this year…
Ross Kemp – Kemp will reprise his role as Grant Mitchell, a character he first played in 1990. The BBC has described Kemp’s storyline as “explosive”. Kemp said it was an “absolute honour” to return to the show.
Other aspects of the 40th anniversary celebration include: A wedding between fan favorites, A huge explosion at the Queen Vic, and A live interactive episode.
In 2021, Patel starred in the HBO miniseries Station Eleven, earning a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie.
He also appeared in Adam McKay’s popular Netflix film called Don’t Look Up which was an apocalyptic political satire black comedy.
The film tells the story of two astronomers attempting to warn humanity about an approaching comet that will destroy human civilization.
The film is a satire of government, political, celebrity, and media indifference to the climate crisis and was a huge hit with viewers.
The Franchise is available on Sky