British Comedy Guide
Beautiful People. Copyright: BBC
Beautiful People

Beautiful People

  • TV sitcom
  • BBC Two
  • 2008 - 2009
  • 12 episodes (2 series)

Sitcom about the young family life of window-dresser Simon Doonan, based upon the memoirs of the fashionista of the same name. Stars Olivia Colman, Meera Syal, Aidan McArdle, Luke Ward-Wilkinson, Layton Williams and more.

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Series 1, Episode 3 - How I Got My Beads

Simon's grandmother Narg returns from hospital but, much to the Doonans' shock, gone are her saintly acts - she is now an acidic rollercoaster of a woman who has got herself engaged to Big Barry.

Further details

Beautiful People. Narg (Brenda Fricker). Copyright: BBC

New York City 2008 and Simon and Sacha are putting the finishing touches to a festival-inspired window display. Simon holds his hippy beads, grinning...

The narrative switches from New York 'now' to Reading 'then'. Back in 1997, Debbie announces that she is officially psychic and can hear voices from beyond the grave. Andy is unconvinced but has more pressing matters to deal with - his mother, Narg, is returning from hospital. But, much to the Doonans' shock, the Narg (Gran spelt backwards) that they know and love has changed.

Gone are the saintly acts, Narg is now an acidic rollercoaster of a woman who has got herself engaged to Big Barry. In an unfortunate accident, Narg causes the kitchen to blow up while cooking Big Barry a fry-up, and the Doonans wonder if Debbie's psychic premonitions could possibly be real after all.

Notes

Music: She's Gone written by Daryl Hall and John Oates. Performed by The Feeling.

Broadcast details

Date
Thursday 16th October 2008
Time
9:30pm
Channel
BBC Two
Length
30 minutes

Cast & crew

Cast
Olivia Colman Debbie Doonan
Meera Syal Aunty Hayley
Aidan McArdle Andy Doonan
Luke Ward-Wilkinson Simon Doonan
Layton Williams Kyle
Sophie Ash Ashlene Doonan
Sarah Niles Reba
Samuel Barnett Adult Simon
Gary Amers Sacha
Guest cast
Brenda Fricker Narg
Howard Coggins Paramedic
John Delaney Mr Cartwright
Ram John Holder Big Barry
Writing team
Jonathan Harvey Writer
Production team
Gareth Carrivick Director
Justin Davies Producer
Jon Plowman Executive Producer
Mark Lawrence Editor
Dennis De Groot Production Designer

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