Henpocalypse! cast revealed
Cameras are now rolling in Wirral and Snowdonia on Henpocalypse!, the BBC Two comedy centred around a bridezilla whose hen-do is interrupted by the apocalypse. She and her fellow working-class West Midlander hens face a struggle for survival while they wait out the breakdown of human civilisation in an isolated holiday cottage in Wales.
A first look picture and casting has been revealed today. We Are Lady Parts star Lucie Shorthouse will play demanding bride Zara, with Elizabeth Berrington (Camping) as her formidable mother Bernadette.
Callie Cooke (Cheaters) has taken the role of put upon chief bridesmaid Shelly, Lauren O'Rourke (Drifters) is conspiracy theorist beautician Veena, Kate O'Flynn (Everyone Else Burns) acts as "one woman disaster area" Jen and Ben McGregor (The Tuckers) will join the cast as entrepreneurial stripper Drew.
The BBC says: "On top of the usual hen do tensions, our hens must face the unknown post-apocalyptic world in a battle for survival, armed with only their wits and a whole car load of hen do paraphernalia. As they emerge from weeks of hiding out, they discover the male population has been very nearly wiped out. Plus the hens soon realise they are not alone - they have serious competition from a bunch of radicalised Pilates instructors."
Writer Caroline Moran comments "this is a dream cast, the locations are epic, the apocalypse has never been so much fun."
Commissioner Jon Petrie adds: "It's no surprise that Caz's inventive scripts have attracted such a top cast. Her post-apocalyptic vision is both terrifying and utterly hilarious. We can't wait to see it all come together."
Update: Danny Dyer to guest star
The BBC has announced Danny Dyer will join filming next week.
The EastEnders star will be playing a fictionalised and heightened version of himself. Producers explain: "As the nation's favourite geezer Danny Dyer made a big impression on socially awkward Birmingham bridesmaid, Jen. So when she finds herself in a brutal post-apocalyptic world it's Danny Dyer who comes to her in her moment of crisis. Taking on the role of mentor and counsellor, he provides sage advice, psychological insight and weapons training, setting her on the path to her true destiny."
Dyer says: "When I saw the pilot for Henpocalypse! I pi***ed myself laughing and I was so honoured to be asked to be a part of such an amazing job. You're all gonna f*****g love it - it's hilarious."
As previously reported by BCG, Dyer is also set to star in Mr Bigstuff this year, a Sky Comedy series created by Ryan Sampson.