JASON BYRNE GETS BBC-1 SITCOM COMMISSION FATHER FIGURE

Comedian Jason Byrne has been given the green light for a new sitcom called Father Figure which he will also write.

Father Figure, which is to have a post watershed timeslot, will be a BBC in-house production that goes into production early next year. It has already enjoyed critical and audience acclaim as a radio comedy series on BBC Radio 2.

Jason Byrne plays Tom, a father figure we can all relate to. Tom is married with two sons and tries to be the best Dad he can, but bad luck and his extended family are always upsetting his plans. Jason will be accompanied by Pauline McLynn (Father Ted), Michael Smiley (Luther) and Dermot Crowley (Bleak House).

Cheryl Taylor, Controller of Comedy Commissioning, BBC says: “Jason Byrne is a bright and bouncy performer and already much loved by comedy enthusiasts everywhere. Following a successful run on Radio 2 we’re really looking forward to developing the new pilot of Father Figure for BBC One.”

Mark Freeland, Controller, UK Comedy Production, BBC, says: “I have followed Jason Byrne for years and he has made me laugh my hair off many, many times. I am thrilled that we are capturing his stand-up verve in a wonderful new sitcom pilot.”

Jason Byrne added: “I am delighted to finally announce that we will be making a pilot of my sitcom Father Figure. It’s been a big dream of mine and I’d never have thought I would get the chance to join the ranks of the television sitcom world.

“The characters all come from real life and the outrageous situations Tom gets into have, more often than not, actually happened to me. The people in my life will never realise that it’s them I’m writing about, unless my wife and two sons, mother, father and best mate ever watch it.”

Father Figure will be produced by Julia McKenzie (Father Figure, Radio 2). Executive producer is Stephen McCrum (BAFTA-winning Mrs Browns Boys) for the BBC.

Byrne is a naturally funny guy so hopes will be high that he delivers the goods.

Source: BBC Media Release