BCG Daily
Newsletters
Forums Latest
Schedule
Sue Johnston to star in new BBC Christmas comedy
The BBC have announced today that filming has begun on 'a big, heartwarming' comedy drama for Christmas starring The Royle Family and Jam & Jerusalem actress Sue Johnston.
Lapland is a 90 minute one-off comedy drama for BBC One, which has been created by Michael Wynne, a writer whose previous credits include EastEnders and the 2010 Olivier Award-winning stage play The Priory.
Sue Johnston will play Eileen Lewis, the mother of a chaotic, large close knit family from Birkenhead. The family save all year round to make Christmas as special as possible but this year is different, they've decided to go to Lapland on a package tour to see Father Christmas Finnish style - complete with huskies, reindeer and maybe the magical northern lights. But they soon discover Lapland brings more than they bargained for.
The ensemble cast also includes Stephen Graham (This Is England), Elizabeth Berrington (Psychoville), William Ash (Waterloo Road), Julie Graham (William & Mary), Zawe Ashton (Fresh Meat) and Keith Barron (Benidorm).
Sue Johnston says: "Lapland won't know what's hit it when the Lewis family arrive, it's a hopeful, bittersweet comedy and I'm delighted to be a part of it."
BBC Comedy boss Mark Freeland added: "I am delighted that we are bringing a little bit of Lapland magic to BBC One this Christmas with Michael Wynne's comedy special. You can take the family out of Birkenhead, but you can't take Birkenhead out of the family."
Producer Rosemary McGowan said: "Michael Wynne has skilfully brought to life one ordinary family's chaotic experience of Christmas in a way that will have people all over the country chuckling in recognition. Funny, warm but also moving."
Lapland, which is filming now in the UK and on location in Finland, will be shown this Christmas on BBC One.
Latest News
BBC confirms new comedy That Puppet Game Show
More details have been revealed about new BBC and The Jim Henson Company series That Puppet Game Show, involving both game and sitcom elements.
ITV developing Tommy Cooper drama
David Threlfall, who plays Frank in Shameless, is to portray Tommy Cooper in a new ITV biopic about the comic magician.
Al Murray working on a Pub Landlord film
Al Murray wishes to make a film featuring his pub landlord character. Plus, he will return to BBC Radio 5 Live with topical comedy show 7 Day Saturday.
Morecambe & Wise writer Eddie Braben dies at 82
Eddie Braben, one of Britain's top comedy writers, who wrote for many famous comedians, most notably Morecambe & Wise, has died aged 82.
American remake ordered of Channel 4's Sirens
American television channel USA Network has commissioned a full series adaptation of Channel 4's 2011 comedy drama, Sirens.
Hi-De-Hi! star Paul Shane dies, aged 72
Actor Paul Shane, best remembered for his lead role in sitcom Hi-De-Hi!, has died at the age of 72.
