Dawn French and Mark Heap to star in new comedy sitcom
And it's by the same director as hit series Motherland
Comedy royalty, Dawn French, and Friday Night Dinner favourite, Mark Heap, are set to join forces for a new BBC sitcom, by the same director as hit series, Motherland. Can You Keep a Secret will follow the life of Debbie Fenton (Dawn French) as she hilariously navigates tough decisions in life and death.
Mark Heap (best known for his performance as Friday Night Dinner's annoying neighbour, Jim) stars as Debbie's husband William, who finds himself mistakenly declared dead. Cue scenes with William hiding in the loft, waiting for a life insurance pay-out. Written and created by Simon Mayhew-Archer (This Country) and directed by Simon Hynd (Ghosts, Motherland), it's guaranteed to be brilliant.
"The two retirees found themselves staring down the barrel of an opportunity too good to pass up," says the BBC. "Just a few months hiding out in the loft waiting for the life insurance to pay out and then they can live out their golden years in peace.
"This all proves a bit much for their easily frazzled son Harry. Reunited with a dad he’s just buried and the reality that his parents have turned into a pensioner version of Bonnie and Clyde, Harry suddenly has a lot more to juggle. Sandwiched between two generations of toddlers, Harry finds himself navigating a very common stage of life - only this time, it’s criminal."
Dawn French (The Vicar of Dibley, French and Saunders) said: "At last...a sitcom where I can keep my top on...mostly," while Kenton Allen, Executive Producer and CEO Big Talk Studios, said: “Working with Dawn French has been a career-long ambition and to have her inimitable comedic brilliance join forces with the extraordinary Mark Heap and the Simons - Simon Mayhew-Archer and Simon Hynd - is every producer’s dream. We’re delighted to welcome such talented creative minds into the Big Talk family and can’t wait for viewers to see this highly original family comedy in all its glory.”
When will Can You Keep a Secret be on screens?
The BBC hasn't yet announced a release date - stating instead that 'further details will be announced in due course'. It's set for BBC iPlayer and BBC One.
How many episodes will there be?
Can You Keep a Secret will be made up of six episodes.
Where is Can You Keep a Secret set?
It's set in the West Country .
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