The BBC has commissioned a number of comedy pilots for BBC Two as part of this year’s Sitcom Season.
New On Two has previously showcased Motherland and Johnny Vegas’ Home from Home, both of which have gone on to full series.
Later this year, the channel will air comedy sketch show, Famalam; ‘romantic’ comedy, The Pact; and Manchester-based The Other One.
The Other One is written by Holly Walsh (Motherland, Crackanory, Psychobitches) and stars Siobhan Finneran (Downton Abbey, Happy Valley), Rebecca Front (The Thick of It, War and Peace), Ellie White (Inside No 9, The Windsors), Lauren Socha (Misfits, Catastrophe) and Amit Shah (Hospital People, Stag, W1A).
It’s about a girl called Catherine Walcott. And another girl called Catherine Walcott. Sisters who had no idea the other existed until their father drops dead.
“I couldn’t feel luckier to have Siobhan, Rebecca, Lauren, Ellie & Amit in our show. Despite filming nights in the pissing rain for most of the shoot, their exceptional talent, funniness and willingness to stand on a remote hillside in a kaftan, made this project an absolute joy,” said Walsh.
The show has been directed by Dan Zeff (Hattie, Inside No 9, Ideal), with Pippa Brown (Bad Education) producing.
It’s being made by Cave Bear and Tiger Aspect Production for BBC Two.
“At BBC Comedy our passion and drive is to spot, nurture and provide a platform for the UK’s world-class comedic talent; from those taking their first steps alongside supporting the brightest comedy stars to reach wide audiences. Discovering new talent, whatever their background, is key to continuing the rich legacy of taking performers on those journeys and why we have such a range of well-loved shows on air now,” added Shane Allen, controller, comedy commissioning.
