Getting caught up in a deadly kidnapping, being torn away from your loved ones and forced into witness protection, tracking down a serial killer of vulnerable young girls… none of the above exactly scream ‘Lol’, and yet they’ve all become the subject of British crime comedy-dramas in recent years. The “you’ve got to laugh” mentality is clearly in our national DNA, no matter how bleak the circumstances.
Attracting huge names in comedy, from Matt Berry, Stephen Merchant, James Corden and Joanna Scanlan, to the brilliant Gbemisola Ikumelo, Emer Kenny, Kerry Howard, and created by the writers behind People Just Do Nothing, Peep Show, Succession and more, here are some of the best darkly funny crime comedy series of recent years.
The Outlaws
The Outlaws has a simple but effective concept: seven questionable strangers doing Community Service in Bristol discover a huge bag of money, decide to keep it,...
Attracting huge names in comedy, from Matt Berry, Stephen Merchant, James Corden and Joanna Scanlan, to the brilliant Gbemisola Ikumelo, Emer Kenny, Kerry Howard, and created by the writers behind People Just Do Nothing, Peep Show, Succession and more, here are some of the best darkly funny crime comedy series of recent years.
The Outlaws
The Outlaws has a simple but effective concept: seven questionable strangers doing Community Service in Bristol discover a huge bag of money, decide to keep it,...
- 6/3/2023
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
“Dodger,” the high-octane family drama based on Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist,” is set to return to the BBC for three specials.
Production has just wrapped in Bristol on the three one-off episodes, which include a Christmas-themed offering, with Christopher Eccleston (“Doctor Who”) returning as Fagin and Billy Jenkins (“Peaky Blinders”) returning as the eponymous child pickpocket.
Also returning for high jinks in Victorian London are Ellie-May Sheridan (“Call The Midwife”), Aabay Ali, Connor Curren, Mila Lieu, David Threlfall (“Shameless”), Alex Kingston (“Doctor Who”), Rhys Thomas (“The Fast Show”), Javone Prince (“No Time To Die”), Lucy Montgomery (“Disenchantment”), Saira Choudhry (“Life”), James Fleet (“Vicar of Dibley”), Lenny Rush (“A Christmas Carol”) and Sam C Wilson (“Hanna”).
They are joined by newcomers to the series Anita Dobson (“EastEnders”), Robert Lindsay (“My Family”), Mark Benton (“Waterloo Road”), Rufus Jones (“Home”), Matthew Holness (“Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace”) and Jane Horrocks (“Absolutely Fabulous”).
“Dodger” will air...
Production has just wrapped in Bristol on the three one-off episodes, which include a Christmas-themed offering, with Christopher Eccleston (“Doctor Who”) returning as Fagin and Billy Jenkins (“Peaky Blinders”) returning as the eponymous child pickpocket.
Also returning for high jinks in Victorian London are Ellie-May Sheridan (“Call The Midwife”), Aabay Ali, Connor Curren, Mila Lieu, David Threlfall (“Shameless”), Alex Kingston (“Doctor Who”), Rhys Thomas (“The Fast Show”), Javone Prince (“No Time To Die”), Lucy Montgomery (“Disenchantment”), Saira Choudhry (“Life”), James Fleet (“Vicar of Dibley”), Lenny Rush (“A Christmas Carol”) and Sam C Wilson (“Hanna”).
They are joined by newcomers to the series Anita Dobson (“EastEnders”), Robert Lindsay (“My Family”), Mark Benton (“Waterloo Road”), Rufus Jones (“Home”), Matthew Holness (“Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace”) and Jane Horrocks (“Absolutely Fabulous”).
“Dodger” will air...
- 9/1/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s Global Bulletin, the BBC unveils “Dodger,” a new Dickens-inspired drama series with an all-star cast; U.K. comedy royalty recognizes Jenna Al as the head of the next generation of writer-performers with the Screenshot award; Keshet Productions in Israel and Twickenham Film Studios in the U.K. get makeovers with new rebrandings; Canada’s Black Screen Office and Telefilm Canada unite to improve the quality of minority representation in the country’s screen industries; Channel 4 commissions an anti-vaxx documentary; English soccer favorite Peter Crouch and the BBC prep a daily European Championship entertainment program; All3Media International deals “Too Close” abroad; Spanish golfing great Severiano “Seve” Ballesteros Sota gets the documentary treatment; and Warner Bros. International Television Production appoints Bruno Henriquet to lead operations in France.
Series
Christopher Eccleston (“Doctor Who”), David Threlfall (“Shameless”), Billy Jenkins (“The Crown”) and Saira Choudhry (“Hollyoaks”) are set to star in “Dodger,...
Series
Christopher Eccleston (“Doctor Who”), David Threlfall (“Shameless”), Billy Jenkins (“The Crown”) and Saira Choudhry (“Hollyoaks”) are set to star in “Dodger,...
- 5/5/2021
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Christopher Eccleston will lead the cast of Dodger, a new story set in the world of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist. The series, produced by NBCUniversal International Studios, is a ten-part family adventure that will air next year on Cbbc and BBC iPlayer.
Eccleston will play Fagin, with David Threlfall cast as the chief of police, Billy Jenkins as the titular Dodger, and Saira Choudhry as Nancy. Filming is underway in Manchester. Aabay Ali, Ellie-May Sheridan, Mila Lieu, Connor Curren, Sam C Wilson, Tanya Reynolds, Lucy Montgomery, Frances Barber, Javone Prince and Rhys Thomas are also in the cast.
Set before the events of Oliver Twist, the show will follow the exploits of the infamous pickpocket, the Artful Dodger, and Fagin’s gang as they find ingenious ways to survive the grim and exploitative conditions of early Victorian London in the 1830s.
The series is written by Rhys Thomas and Lucy...
Eccleston will play Fagin, with David Threlfall cast as the chief of police, Billy Jenkins as the titular Dodger, and Saira Choudhry as Nancy. Filming is underway in Manchester. Aabay Ali, Ellie-May Sheridan, Mila Lieu, Connor Curren, Sam C Wilson, Tanya Reynolds, Lucy Montgomery, Frances Barber, Javone Prince and Rhys Thomas are also in the cast.
Set before the events of Oliver Twist, the show will follow the exploits of the infamous pickpocket, the Artful Dodger, and Fagin’s gang as they find ingenious ways to survive the grim and exploitative conditions of early Victorian London in the 1830s.
The series is written by Rhys Thomas and Lucy...
- 5/5/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Gavin & Stacey and Abigail’s Party star Alison Steadman is to front BBC drama Life from Doctor Foster creator Mike Bartlett.
Steadman is joined by Peter Davison, who starred as the Doctor in the fifth iteration of Doctor Who, Adrian Lester (Riviera), Victoria Hamilton (Doctor Foster) and Rachael Stirling (The Bletchley Circle) in the six-part series.
The Drama Republic-fronted series, which has just begun filming in Manchester, follows the stories of the residents in a large house in Manchester divided into flats. As each of the four separate, relatable yet surprising strands unfold, they tell a larger story about what happens when we decide to step out of our own personal space and take a closer look into other people’s lives.
Gail, played by Steadman, who is married to Henry, played by Davison, is about to celebrate her 70th birthday when a chance encounter throws her whole life into question.
Steadman is joined by Peter Davison, who starred as the Doctor in the fifth iteration of Doctor Who, Adrian Lester (Riviera), Victoria Hamilton (Doctor Foster) and Rachael Stirling (The Bletchley Circle) in the six-part series.
The Drama Republic-fronted series, which has just begun filming in Manchester, follows the stories of the residents in a large house in Manchester divided into flats. As each of the four separate, relatable yet surprising strands unfold, they tell a larger story about what happens when we decide to step out of our own personal space and take a closer look into other people’s lives.
Gail, played by Steadman, who is married to Henry, played by Davison, is about to celebrate her 70th birthday when a chance encounter throws her whole life into question.
- 7/9/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Hollyoaks star Saira Choudhry has admitted that it's the right time for her character to exit the village. The actress, who will leave her role as Anita Roy next week, insisted that she's happy the troubled teen will bow out on a positive note. "I think there were more ways for the character to be developed, but she left at the right time," she told the show's official site. "I think she corrected all the stuff that she needed to and I'm glad that she left on a positive note. "She's quite a disturbing character, isn't she?! She's grown up a lot this year though. (more)...
- 1/15/2011
- by By Colin Daniels
- Digital Spy
Sheree Murphy is taking a break from 'Hollyoaks'. The 34-year-old actress - who has three children with her soccer star spouse Harry Kewell - initially planned not to extend her contract but after her husband's proposed move to the Us was cancelled, she has renewed her deal with the soap, but will disappear briefly from screen. Sheree - who plays Anita Roy's (Saira Choudhry) birth mother Eva - told website Digital Spy: ''Sadly, because we thought that my husband's football career was going to take us to the States, I was unable to sign another contract with 'Hollyoaks'. ''However, our circumstances have now changed ..
- 8/9/2010
- Virgin Media - TV
Sheree Murphy has said that the "massive, massive changes" to Hollyoaks may help it compete with other soaps on TV. The former Emmerdale actress was one of the first cast members hired by new series producer Paul Marquess when she was picked to play Anita Roy (Saira Choudhry)'s long-lost mother Eva Strong. Murphy told Digital Spy: "They've got lots of characters in their mid-to-late 30s coming in, which I think is important because not everyone wants to watch kids all the time. "I know it's a teen soap, but I think if they're going to try to compete with the other soaps they need a few older characters in. Hopefully the changes will be for the better." Of her own character's upcoming storylines, she added: "I'm still a bit of a mystery because my daughter's just found out that I'm her (more)...
- 6/8/2010
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
Sheree Murphy claims it was a ''difficult'' decision accepting her 'Hollyoaks' role. The actress recently signed up to play Anita Roy (Saira Choudhry)'s long-lost mother Eva in the Channel 4 soap - her first major TV role for six years - but admits she was unsure of whether to accept the offer as it would mean spending more time away from her soccer star husband Harry Kewell, who is based in Turkey. Speaking on daytime TV show 'This Morning', she said: ''It is a long commute and it has been quite difficult. That's why when the phone call came up and I got ..
- 4/23/2010
- Virgin Media - TV
Sheree Murphy has admitted that accepting her new job on Hollyoaks was a "difficult" decision. The actress signed up for the part of Anita Roy's (Saira Choudhry) long-lost mother Eva two months ago - her first major television role in six years. Speaking on This Morning today, Murphy explained that she was initially wary of making a TV comeback because she knew it would mean less time to spend with her footballer husband Harry Kewell, who is based in Turkey due to his own career commitments. She commented: "It is a long commute and (more)...
- 4/23/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Hollyoaks newcomer Sheree Murphy has admitted that she felt nervous when she made her debut on the soap. The mum-of-three announced that she had been cast as Anita Roy's (Saira Choudhry) long-lost mother Eva two months ago - her first major acting role since she bowed out of Emmerdale in 2004. Speaking to the Liverpool Echo about the pressures of her screen comeback, Murphy explained: "I think it's all to do with confidence. I do believe that if you've got confidence you can do most things, but when you've lost that - and I have to say, I did massively - then you start (more)...
- 4/21/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Sheree Murphy thinks her 'Hollyoaks' alter-ego ''uses'' Ravi Roy to get close to her secret daughter Anita Roy. The actress - who portrays Anita (Saira Choudhry)'s long-lost mother Eva - has admitted her screen persona lies to residents in the village, including her daughter's older brother, played by Stephen Uppal, in a bid to reunite with the teenager. She said: ''Ravi asks her out and she decides to use him to get close to Anita. But Eva makes up a name - Kate - as she's still deciding whether to tell Anita who she really it. ''Eva thinks Ravi's sweet but she's not thinking ..
- 4/19/2010
- Virgin Media - TV
Hollyoaks newcomer Sheree Murphy has claimed that the soap should try to lose its 'teen drama' label. The actress, who signed up to play Anita Roy's (Saira Choudhry) long-lost mother Eva in February, suggested that the show could strengthen its existing appeal to older viewers and pick up new fans by making changes over the coming months. Speaking to Holy Soap, Murphy explained: "It may be on at 6.30pm, but I know so many grown-ups, like my auntie and cousin, who absolutely love it and watch it on a Sunday. It's a whole different market on a Sunday. There are a lot of older people watching it and catching up on it then. "I think you have to appeal not just to (more)...
- 4/16/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Hollyoaks newcomer Sheree Murphy has been ordered to keep quiet when she attends the Grand National tomorrow, according to a report. The actress is said to have faced a difficult week at the Channel 4 soap after starting to lose her voice while filming scenes as Anita Roy's (Saira Choudhry) long-lost mother Eva. Murphy will be judging the Matalan Style Competition at the National tomorrow but has apparently (more)...
- 4/9/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Sheree Murphy's new role in 'Hollyoaks' makes her feel ''really old''. The 34-year-old actress - who recently joined the Channel 4 soap as Anita Roy (Saira Choudhry)'s long-lost mother - was shocked when she learned her screen daughter would be a teenager rather than a baby. She explained: ''I always thought eventually I'm going to be playing a mother at some point as I get older, but maybe a mother to a baby or a toddler, not to a 17-year-old, so I feel really old.'' Sheree - who is best known for her role in 'Emmerdale, where she played Tricia Dingle - is still ..
- 3/12/2010
- Virgin Media - TV
Sheree Murphy has admitted that her new role in Hollyoaks is making her feel "really old". The 34-year-old has been filming her first scenes with the Chester-based soap in recent weeks after signing up to play Anita Roy's (Saira Choudhry) long-lost mother Eva on the teen drama. Discussing her experience so far, Murphy told Holy Soap: "I always thought eventually I'm going to be playing a mother at some point as I get older, but maybe a mother to a baby or a toddler, not to a 17-year-old, so I feel really old. "I've only done a few scenes here and there, so I've kind of not got my teeth into (more)...
- 3/11/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Sheree Murphy has revealed that she is "really excited" after joining the cast of Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks. Yesterday, it emerged that the former Emmerdale star had signed up to play Anita Roy's (Saira Choudhry) long-lost mother Eva on the teen drama. Speaking about her new role for the first time, Murphy commented: "Being a fan of the show I'm really excited to be a part of Hollyoaks and working with the young cast, especially Saira. "Her character has been through some really tough times lately (more)...
- 2/25/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Sheree Murphy is to star in 'Hollyoaks'. The 34-year-old actress - who played barmaid Tricia Dingle for six years in 'Emmerdale' - has signed up to play Tania Verani, the long-lost mother of Anita Roy (Saira Choudhry), in the Channel 4 soap. A source said: ''Bosses have been trying to sign her up for a while now - but she's always putting her family first. But after years out of acting she wants to give it another go. ''Sheree has started filming scenes and was very nervous being on set again, but she's a professional and has taken to 'Hollyoaks' like a duck to ..
- 2/24/2010
- Virgin Media - TV
Former Emmerdale star Sheree Murphy has been cast in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks. The actress has signed up to play the role of Eva, who is the long-lost mother of existing character Anita Roy (Saira Choudhry), The Sun reports. Murphy, who has three children with footballer Harry Kewell, previously played Emmerdale barmaid Tricia Dingle for six years until 2004. She later appeared on ITV1 reality show I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! and went on to establish a career as a TV presenter. A Hollyoaks source said: "Bosses have been trying to sign her up for a while now - but she's always put her family first. But after years (more)...
- 2/24/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Hollyoaks star Saira Choudhry has praised the soap's producers for tackling the issue of racism. The actress's schoolgirl character Anita Roy has been at the centre of a racist bullying storyline on the Channel 4 show since late last year. Choudhry has now revealed that she is hoping to inspire real-life victims as Anita comes to terms with her ordeal over the coming weeks. "I think it's good that Hollyoaks is doing this storyline," (more)...
- 4/18/2009
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
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