Robert Sheehan

This latest attempt by BBC One at a mainstream sitcom is a ditzy domestic affair about single mother Gemma Jones (Sarah Alexander), who spends her life dealing with her twin girls, her midlife-crisis-suffering ex (Neil Morrissey) and his stereotypical Swedish girlfriend. So when a handsome father (Nathaniel Parker) asks Gemma out on a date while she's on the school run, it's a welcome offer. That is, until her student son returns from a backpacking trip with his flirtatious friend Billy (Robert Sheehan) and Mrs Jones unexpectedly finds she's got more than one love interest. Solidly played by a strong cast, this comedy is gently amusing rather than laugh-out-loud funny.

Fans might have worried that Misfits wouldn't be as strong without a certain Robert Sheehan, but they didn't need to be concerned. While Sheehan was unquestionably great, replacing him with Joe Gilgun as Rudy was a stroke of genius. He was funny, idiotic and loveable.

It was really silly of us to worry about the loss of Nathan anyway, as writer Howard Overman - who's either brilliant or insane (or both) - was still on board. And somehow he managed to include even more huge Misfits storylines - the gang fought Nazis, STDs and zombie cheerleaders and a certain Misfit even impregnated himself (if you haven't watched, it's way too complicated to explain). As well as all that, though, the show found time for romance, emotion, nods to loyal fans, philosophical and ethical questions and kn*b jokes. Fantastic.

The 20th best programme of 2011 according to the Radio Times.

It's won awards aplenty, even though its subject matter is Asbo kids with superpowers and its language is the ripest on TV. But the departure of cheek-master Nathan (Robert Sheehan) might have been the kiss of death for Howard Overman's concrete universe. Thank heavens, then, for Joe Gilgun, whose sex-obsessed, wholly inappropriate Rudy almost immediately stole the third series. This was the freshest drama around - although probation workers, who invariably came to a sticky end, might disagree.

Misfits series 3 episode 1 review

Misfits returns to our screens, without Robert Sheehan on board. Turns out, however, that all is well...

Nathan who? Fans of Howard Overman's Bafta-winning grungy superhero series were nervous about the departure of actor Robert Sheehan, whose potty-mouthed character was last seen, in an online mini-episode, banged up in Las Vegas.

But they needn't fret. Joseph Gilgun as Rudy, a rude and crude lad with a literal split personality, will fit in just fine. In fact he's a real breath of fresh air, cheeky but conflicted, with an intriguing link to the gang, who, lest we forget, have all now chosen to change their powers.

It takes the whole of the skilfully plotted and frequently hilarious first episode of the third series to find out what Kelly, Simon, Curtis and Alisha can now do, but it doesn't take long for some of these new skills to come in handy, when they're faced with a young woman who can freeze time - to no-one's advantage but her own.

Sex, death and filthy humour... it doesn't get any better than this.

Jo Gilgun interview

Joe Gilgun joins the cast in the third series of Misfits, following the departure of Robert Sheehan, who played Nathan. Joe, 27, told TV Choice more...

OH YES. It's back! Robert Sheehan might not be in Misfits any more, but just you wait until you meet Rudy (played by the wonderful Joe Gilgun). In fact, this is another stellar opening episode for our favourite ne'er-do-wells. It's just as crude, emotional, hilarious and action-packed as ever, with another evil super-villain for our heroes to battle. Oh, and there are new powers - some useful, some bizarre, and one that will make you laugh out loud. We don't want to spoil too much so we'll keep our mouths zipped, but oh. It's so good to have them back.

Misfits series 3 episode 1 spoiler-free review

We've seen the first episode of Misfits' third series. How will the show cope without Robert Sheehan? Here's a spoiler-free review...

Ruth Negga interview

Ruth Negga, recognised by most youngsters as the actress from the British drama Misfits, talks about how co starring with Robert Sheehan has attracted a young generation to a century-old Irish classic.

Robert Sheehan on life after Misfits

As Robert Sheehan takes on one of the best-known roles in Irish drama, he reflects on the preparations for his stage debut, and on life after Misfits.