Pauline McLynn (Shameless), Karen Taylor (I’m Karen Taylor) Michael Smiley (Luther), Dermot Crowley (Bleak House), Tim Downie (The King’s Speech), David Reed, Margaret Cabourn-Smith and Peter Serafinowicz have joined the cast of BBC One’s upcoming six episode comedy series Father Figure. They join previously announced main cast member Jason Byrne.
Created by Byrne, Father Figure follows Tom Whyte, the best and worst dad you could have. He approaches his duties as a father with a huge dose of energy and enthusiasm, but his schemes and plans often descend into chaos and confusion. The six episode comedy series is being produced by BBC In-House Comedy with Stephen McCrum serving as the executive producer. Nick Wood is directing. Production on Father Figure is currently underway at Elstree Studios.
“So the camera rolls on my new sitcom for BBC One, Father Figure. I play the Father Figure in the title, Tom”, said Jason Byrne. “The show is an eclectic mix of characters who are all based on my friends and family, and many of the things that happen to the Whyte family are drawn from my own experiences. Tom’s wife works full time and he is a stay-at-home dad with two boys to look after. However, no matter what he turns his hand to, his mam, dad, best friend, wife and neighbours all end up sticking their oar in, with no help to Tom whatsoever. One thing’s for sure, Father Figure will have something for everyone, everywhere, somehow.”
While Mark Freeland Controller of Comedy Production added: “When we first read Jason’s scripts, we were struck by their warmth and authenticity. We have a wonderful cast and production team, and the unique and irrepressible talents of Jason. It’s great that we have the chance to show this on BBC One.”
