Stevens & McCarthy and The Chief return to BBC Scotland
- Scot Squad sitcom spin-off The Chief is coming to BBC One Scotland later this year
- The channel has also ordered a series of sketch show Stevens & McCarthy
- Commissioner Gavin Smith says: "We hope audiences will enjoy this exciting double bill of very different comedies"
Cameron Miekelson will return to BBC One Scotland as Jack Docherty writes and stars in The Chief, it has been announced.
The new scripted sitcom, a spin-off from the part-improvised hit mockumentary Scot Squad, will see the star returning to screens as the fictional national police force's error-prone commissioner.
The channel has also ordered a full series of Stevens & McCarthy, a sketch show starring Louise McCarthy and Gayle Telfer Stevens, after a series of shorts were published on iPlayer in 2021 and 2022.
Both shows have been commissioned as four 30-minute episodes.
Commissioner Gavin Smith says: "We hope audiences will enjoy this exciting double bill of very different comedies from BBC Scotland. In one West Coast corner we have two of Scotland's most exciting live comedy performers bringing an array of eclectic sketches and brand new female characters to the screen. And in the East Coast corner we have one of Scotland's most established male comedy talents spinning off a fan favourite character from Scotland's Scot Squad comedy stable."
BBC Scotland say: "Stevens & McCarthy will spotlight the comedic talents of Gayle Telfer Stevens and Louise McCarthy - two of Scotland's most-popular performers - the new series will feature a rich variety of sketches, spoofs, skits and songs."
Also written by its stars, filming starts on the series this week. It is produced by Marie McDonald, directed by Meg Campbell and script edited by Louise Stewart.
Louise says: "We are really excited to be back with some Stevens & McCarthy. It's pretty much an all-girl team here and we are so thrilled to bring this girl power energy to your screens. We've got new sketches and some nods to the favourites from other series. Expect the usual madness from us two - bonkers characters and a good auld sing-a-long thrown in for good measure. There is something for everyone in this show!"
Gayle adds: "Brace yourself for the biggest female led comedy sketch show since the 90s. Big, bold and better than ever Stevens & McCarthy are back! We've got great comedy characters, laughs a plenty and will showcase some of the best talent Scotland has to offer. Give it a swatch I think you'll love it!"
Lead-written by star Jack Docherty, The Chief will be filmed and broadcast later in 2024, with further casting to be confirmed.
Spinning off from Scot Squad (2012 - 2023), BBC Scotland say: "A deep dive into the daily duties of Chief Commissioner Cameron Miekelson from the Scottish Police Force, this four-part sitcom sees the Chief at work and at home dealing with colleagues, bams and family alike. As Miekelson wrestles with contemporary dilemmas and navigates workplace politics, he must do his best to remain relevant in an ever-changing world.
"The Chief features a cast of regular co-workers and confidantes as well as his daughter, Ellen."
Jack Docherty says: "I'm delighted that The People's Chief is back in a brand new sitcom. We find him still clinging to his job as the top dog, the big man, the numero uno in a modern, progressive Scottish Police Force. He's desperate to prove that he's still relevant in the world of office politics, culture wars, family and fatherhood. I love playing this character and can't wait to unleash him once again on the great Scottish public."