Filming starts on new Sky comedy series After Hours
Filming has started on a new Sky1 sitcom series called After Hours.
The programme will follow the life of Willow Hannigan, an 18 year-old music lover who's just had his heart broken for the first time.
There are no jobs in the small Northern town he lives in, his beautiful ex-girlfriend has moved on to someone new and most of his mates have gone away to university whilst he's been left behind, living with his parents. The only thing that keeps him sane, other than his best friend Chris is listening to local internet radio show After Hours, which is run from a canal boat by Lauren and Ollie, two friends in their late 20s.
A young cast is taking on the lead roles, with James Tarpey (pictured), who has previously had a role in The World's End, playing Willow; Georgina Campbell (Ice Cream Girls) as his ex, Jasmine; acting newcomer Fergus Van Gelder in the role of Chris; Made In Dagenham star Jaime Winstone as Lauren; and Sugartown's Rob Kendrick as Ollie.
Father Ted star Ardal O'Hanlon will play Willow's dad, Peter Hannigan, an ex-milkman who found himself jobless when the big supermarket opened. His character is married to Anna (Susan Cookson from Early Doors and Mount Pleasant), a woman who would secretly love a job at the new supermarket.
The Fast Show star John Thomson will also appear in After Hours. He plays Geoff, Peter's best friend who finds sanctuary on the Hannigan's sofa.
The show has been written by John Osborne and Molly Naylor.
The six thirty minute episodes are being produced by production company Jellylegs, which previously made The Café for Sky1. Early Doors and The Royle Family star Craig Cash is directing the show. He says: "John and Molly have created a world which is not only very funny but has genuine warmth at its heart. It's a pleasure to be working with such talented new writers and a cast of great comic actors".
Commissioner Lucy Lumsden adds: "After Hours is a beautifully written series about growing up in a small Northern town which will capture the hearts of our Sky1 customers. We're delighted to be working with Craig Cash again."
Ardal O'Hanlon commented: "I'm delighted to be a part of After Hours. It's warm, funny and moving and the soundtrack is amazing."
John Thomson says: "It's great to be working with Jellylegs and my old friend Craig Cash. It's a joy to be working in my hometown with a great cast, strong script and a lovely crew."
Jaime Winstone adds: "I'm really excited to be working with Craig Cash and the lovely crew. I loved the script and it's great to be back in Manchester."
After Hours will be shown on Sky1 sometime in 2015.