In this ITV1 premiere of Changing Ends, viewers are transported back to the 1980s, where a young Alan Carr navigates the complexities of growing up in Northampton, the son of a fourth-division football manager. The episode captures Alan’s journey of self-discovery, set against the backdrop of Thatcher’s Britain.
The episode, airing on Tuesday 16 April, begins with Alan facing a challenging decision. His friends are ditching him for being “camp,” and his father, Graham, is a former top-flight professional footballer turned manager of Northampton Town F.C. Alan contemplates going against his instincts and becoming a footballer himself to win back his best friend, Charlie.
The series, based on Alan Carr’s own life, showcases the comedian’s journey through puberty, adolescence, and self-discovery. It explores his experiences as a gay teenager, grappling with bullies and his sexual awakening, all while navigating the masculine world of lower-league football.
The episode introduces viewers to Alan’s family, including his mother, Christine, and his younger brother, Gary. We also meet the family’s neighbours, Charlie and Angela Hudson, along with Nigel Hudson. Guest stars in this episode include David Mumeni as Mr Chapman and Michael Socha as Adam.
Changing Ends captures the warmth and wit of Alan’s journey, offering a love letter to a time and place where inclusivity was not always a given. It provides a unique perspective on Alan’s path to embracing his true self and finding his place in the world.
Changing Ends airs on ITV1 at 8:30 PM on Tuesday, 16 April 2024.
