Cast revealed for UK version of 'Call My Agent!'

Thursday 6th May 2021, 11:17am

Quacks. Caroline (Lydia Leonard). Copyright: Lucky Giant

Details have emerged about the British remake of French sitcom hit Call My Agent!.

Available in the UK via Netflix, the original version of the comedy - known as Dix Pour Cent in its home country - focuses on a talent agency where the staff must scramble to keep their star clients happy and their business afloat after the sudden death of the company's founder.

The new eight-part British version, which will follow a similar theme, is being overseen by W1A creator John Morton, with filming set to begin in London next week.

Trade publication Deadline has now revealed the cast list for the show.

Lydia Leonard, who played Caroline in Quacks (pictured) and Marta in Last Christmas, will take on the part of Alexa, the role loosely based on Camille Cottin's character Andréa.

Coupling star Jack Davenport will play Jonathan, based on the French character Mathias.

Maggie Steed - Esther in Chewing Gum - has signed up to portray Stella.

Prasanna Puwanarajah, recently seen as Ashley in Defending The Guilty, will play Dan.

Acting newcomers Harry Trevaldwyn and Hiftu Quasem will play Ollie and Misha.

The comedy will also features roles for Oscar-winner Jim Broadbent, Blackadder star Tim McInnerny, Rebecca Humphries (Cockroaches), Fola Evans-Akingbola (Siren) and Eléonore Arnaud (Nu).

Deadline adds: "We understand that a host of A-list Brit and US guest stars have been lined up across the series, which will be made up of eight one hour episodes and shoot until September.

"The adaptation will retain the essence of the French series (which has found global success on Netflix) where a Parisian talent agency's employees must scramble to keep their star clients happy and their business afloat after the sudden death of their founder. However, the remake will incorporate Morton's British sensibility and introduce some new storylines."

Christian Baute, the executive producer for Headline Pictures, says: "I first watched the show on TV in France back in 2015 and fell in love with it straight away. I immediately thought it would be a slam dunk in English and I went to speak to TF1 [the French TV channel] . Sometimes people think comedies don't travel well but when there's the right mix of comedy and drama and a strong story they absolutely can travel. The appeal of the show comes a lot from its very flawed characters who band together as a community to get things done against the odds. The show ultimately expresses humanity in a very sweet way."

David Davoli from co-producers Bron Studios adds: "There is a whimsical nature to John's writing and an authenticity to his characters that is sure to resonate with audiences around the world. It is because of John's writing that we have attracted such strong talent in front of and behind the camera. We are thrilled to be working with Headline Pictures and the fantastic crews in the UK to breathe life into a wonderful show."

Speaking previously, Morton has said: "I'm thrilled, startled and daunted to be given the chance to re-create such a wonderful show as Call My Agent! for an English language audience. It's a big responsibility and I'm very lucky to have the support and expertise of David Davoli at Bron Studios and Christian Baute at Headline Pictures to draw on. If we're all very ambitious for this project, it's only because the original is so good."

21st May update: It has been revealed that Amazon Prime Video will publish the series, and there will be cameos from Kelly Macdonald, Helena Bonham Carter and Olivia Williams.

John Morton says: "It's great to be working with Amazon Prime Video who support creativity and gives us the freedom to put our own distinctively British stamp on the series. It's a privilege to be working with an extraordinary cast, along with some star-studded cameos, who together represent the best of Britain's talent."

Martin Backlund from Amazon adds: "Call My Agent! has been a runaway hit; we're delighted to have worked hand in hand with the creative teams behind the show to bring a uniquely British slant for Prime Video members in the UK and Ireland. The incredible ensemble cast, coupled with the talented team behind the cameras, means it's sure to be something special, and we're looking forward to seeing how our customers respond."

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