Claire Sweeney

Review: Scarborough

When Scarborough was announced, it seemed to have a lot in common with creator Derren Litten's long-running hit Benidorm, being set in a seaside resort town with a cast of working-class characters united by a love of karaoke. But they show two very different iterations of the same broad premise.

TV review: Scarborough series 1 episode 1

Perhaps it will improve as it goes along, and it certainly has a strong cast who all turn in great performances. But elements of it feel a bit too cartoonish (Bigsy and Karen's workmates especially), the majority of the cruder jokes feel like the kind of thing that's been done countless times before, and the more dramatic parts just didn't work for me, so unless I start to hear that it's suddenly become enormously funnier it's something I won't be bothering with again.

Benidorm's creator, Derren Litten, turns his attention to another legendary seaside destination, one where life revolves around karaoke night in the local pub. After a few relationship wobbles, hairdresser Karen (ex-Corrie and future Strictly star Catherine Tyldesley) and arcade manager Mike (Jason Manford) are trying to make a go of it. Manford does a bit of karaoke crooning - because of course he does - but elsewhere the writing is both warm and wicked, while Claire Sweeney brings some powerful energy as the local man-eater.

In praise of Benidorm, the UK's most under-rated sitcom

It's a funny old game, comedy. Steve Pemberton's critical accolades for The League of Gentleman, and BBC2's late night cult hit, Inside No 9, are legion. But you'll be hard pressed to read glowing reviews of his eight years starring in the ITV comedy Benidorm. In fact you'll be hard pressed to read anything glowing from sniffy critics about the hit sitcom, despite its millions of viewers, longevity and viewer-voted National Television Awards. In fact, one critic went so far as to describe the viewing public a "disgrace" for voting for it.

Candy Cabs Q&A: Claire, Jodie and Melanie

Don't miss the last episode of Candy Cabs tonight (21.00, BBC One). Before you watch that, read our interviews with the stars of Candy Cabs. Next up? Claire Sweeney, Jodie Prenger and Melanie Hill answer your questions...

Candy Cabs, sexist drivel in which the ­feckless men are always fools and the stereotyped ­women are never dressed. Memo to Claire Sweeney... put your clothes on!

Playing the ­magnificently named Jackie O'Sullivan, ­EastEnders star Jo Joyner's northern accent doesn't get past North London. 'Appen it's Tanya.
Just horrible. Is this what BBC drama has come to?

Claire Sweeney: 'I like Mandy's tiny outfits!'

Actress and Loose Women panellist Claire Sweeney talks about her role as maneater Mandy in BBC1's comedy drama Candy Cabs...

The road to success is pitted with potholes for the bosses of all-female taxi firm Candy Cabs.

In this new three part series, 'the Candies' must deal with their own chaotic private lives if they are to survive in business, plus opposition from rival companies in the seaside resort of South Hadley. Led by Jackie and Elaine (EastEnders' Jo Joyner and comedy star Lisa Millett) it's not long before personal obstacles interfere with their professional dreams.

A poor showing at the launch party leaves the girls worried then they discover that their drivers need to pass 'the Knowledge' to keep working. Can Candy Cabs survive the bumpy ride? A superb cast includes Denis Lawson, Claire Sweeney and Ricky Whittle.