Alan Carr's sitcom Changing Ends to return for Series 2
- Alan Carr autobiographical ITVX comedy series Changing Ends has been given a second series
- The first series will be shown on ITV1 in early 2024, with the second series on ITVX in the summer
- Alan Carr comments: "Looks like we're heading back to Northampton!!"
ITV has confirmed that Changing Ends, the autobiographical comedy starring Alan Carr, is to return for a second series.
The network says: "The first series launched on ITVX earlier this year and has exceeded expectations, attracting more viewers than any other comedy on ITVX this year. This puts us in a great position to be able to commission a second series ahead of Series 1 launching on ITV1 in 2024."
Changing Ends is based on Carr's own life in Northampton in the 1980s, growing up as the son of a fourth division football manager. Carr appears as the adult version of himself, with Oliver Savell playing Young Alan. Shaun Dooley and Nancy Sullivan play his parents.
Six more half-hour episodes will be filmed by Baby Cow Productions, with filming commencing in early 2024. The resultant series is then expected to be shown on ITVX in the summer.
The series was created by Carr and Two Doors Down writer Simon Carlyle. Following the death of Carlyle in August, Carr has written the new series by himself.
Producer Mollie Freedman Berthoud notes: "Bringing Alan Carr's life to the screen with the most wonderful cast and crew has been so rewarding and fulfilling, so to be given a second series of Changing Ends is a dream come true. However, we are heartbroken to now have to take these steps without the magnificent Simon Carlyle. We miss him & his infectious laughter so much, but we feel honoured to be continuing the beautiful show he co-created."
Reacting to the recommission, Alan Carr comments: "Looks like we're heading back to Northampton!! Absolutely buzzing that Changing Ends is back for a second series firstly because who doesn't love a recommission but secondly on a completely selfish level I have so many more stories from my teenage years growing up in Northampton to tell, about me, my family, my neighbours and believe it or not football! Shocker!".
ITV's Head of Comedy, Nana Hughes, says: "The love for Changing Ends on ITVX has blown us away, Alan & Simon, the cast and crew created a brilliant Series 1 and it's so good to see viewers are really enjoying this new comedy. Just as the second series starts its production, the first series will have its linear TV premiere in Spring 2024 on ITV1."
Baby Cow's CEO Sarah Monteith says: "Changing Ends is a classic Baby Cow hit. Though driven by the funny and the feelgood, it has something serious to say about prejudice. Alan's writing is a masterclass in wit and wisdom."
Baby Cow's co-founder Steve Coogan adds: "Alan Carr, brilliant and beloved as a comedian, broadcaster and writer, has made the move into sitcom-making look effortless. As thrilled as I am that Baby Cow are getting to make a second series of Changing Ends (very funny/moving, audiences are bound to love the next chapter) I do hope he has to break a sweat this time."