Latest news with #OnlyChild
The Herald Scotland
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
We've found not one but two funny Scots comedies but there's a catch
Good For Her **** BBC Scotland/iPlayer REMEMBER the time we discovered a Scottish comedy that was genuinely funny? Only Child was the name, with Gregor Fisher and Greg McHugh as a bickering but devoted father and son. Recently commissioned for a second series, it was a comedy to claim as one of our own. That was a year ago. Without wishing to alarm anyone, lightning might have struck again. And again. Govan Fair Queen and Good For Her, both shown on BBC Scotland, had laugh-out-loud moments and characters you would happily give house room to. Written by Paul Black, Govan Fair Queen starred Elaine C Smith as a doting granny determined that her granddaughter (Harper Blue Hamilton) will right a historical wrong by lifting first prize in a local talent contest. But first they have to get past the head judge (Julie Wilson Nimmo). Smith was in familiar Two Doors Down/Rab C territory at first as the fag-smoking gran in a housecoat and slippers. But both she and the story soon branched out. I've watched plenty of talent show skits, but none as truly madly Glaswegian as the one here. Let's just say there's one visual gag that's in keeping with the local culture. Read more Good For Her was a Fast Show-style sketch fest written and performed by Zara Gladman. You may be familiar with some of her characters, chiefly Aileen, the West End mum, but there are plenty of others and one truly unforgettable cameo appearance. Whether she is taking on the misogynist trolling of women comedians - surely not! - indie fan boys or the ways of local newsreaders, Gladman hits the mark slyly but surely. Before you get too attached to Black and Gladman, I have to interrupt this love-in with an important announcement: Govan Fair Queen and Good for Her are just 10 and 20 minutes long, respectively. While there is nothing wrong with starting life as a short or a sketch - Still Game, after all, came from Chewin the Fat - it doesn't have the same ring of confidence about it as a pilot (the Two Doors Down Hogmanay special that led to seven series and counting). A short can make the material look as though there's more work to be done. Yet both performers are already well known on YouTube and TikTok, particularly Gladman. You might think this made the transition from social media to mainstream easier, but that only applies up to a point. The upside of social media is that anyone can upload their work and have it seen. The downside is that anyone can upload their work, etc. What was always a crowded market has become even more so. So how can an act make the leap from online to primetime (or even just BBC3), assuming they want to? Given the speed at which YouTube is growing it might be smart to make the platform their main home. Plenty do and are earning a decent living. Alternatively, there's ye olde school way of building up a fan base, getting your name out there, and praying somebody up there in commissioning likes you. It needs to happen fast, though. See earlier point about crowded markets. Both Gladman and Black now have impressive calling cards made at considerable expense and it is up to them, BBC Scotland, and anyone else so inclined, to spread the word. Both films are available now on BBC iPlayer
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
BBC's Only Child returns for a second series
Gregor Fisher and Greg McHugh are to return in Only Child, the touching and funny BBC One and iPlayer sitcom following the exploits of squabbling father and son duo, Ken and Richard Pritchard. Commissioned by BBC Comedy and BBC Scotland from Happy Tramp North, Only Child will see Fisher and McHugh return to Forres for six more episodes. The first series which was loved by viewers and celebrated by critics alike, followed bit-part actor Richard's long overdue visit to his eccentric, strong-willed technophobe dad, Ken, who is recently widowed. Richard comes to the realisation that his dad may need a bit more full-time help. Domestic and inter-generational differences and neighbourly squabbles were all told through the lens of Richard and Ken's comedic relationship with son Richard's patience often tested to its limits as the father-son bonding evolved. Written once again by Bryce Hart, the second series will see the chaotic Pritchard clan return for more adventures as Richard and Ken bicker through everything from driving lessons and explaining what a QR code is to buying your own coffin. Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning BBC Scotland says: 'The magic of Bryce's writing takes a relatable situation and packs it with warmth and love as well as plenty of laughter. We loved the relationship between father and son and Gregor and Greg brought their comedy A-game to the roles. We're thrilled to be working with the team at Happy Tramp North to bring more of this heartwarming humour to BBC audiences.' Greg McHugh says: 'I am absolutely thrilled that Only Child has been given a second series - it was an absolute hoot to shoot with an amazing cast and crew. Getting to work again with Gregor 'Loose Cannon' Fisher is the spice we all need in our lives. Thanks to all the audience who tuned in and gave us their support! Thanks also to the BBC for this amazing opportunity to return!' Gregor Fisher added: 'Well I never. Back to Forres to spend time with young McHugh and the gang. It beats working." Neil Webster, Executive Producer, Happy Tramp North said: 'It's great to be back in Forres, hanging out with our two favourite men down The Beastie. Pints of heavy all round.' Only Child will once again showcase a wealth of Scottish and Irish talent with full cast to be announced in due course. Only Child (6 x 30) is a Happy Tramp North Production for BBC One, BBC Scotland and iPlayer. It was commissioned by Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy and Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning BBC Scotland. The producer is Ursula Haworth, the director is John Addis and the executive producer is Neil Webster. The commissioning editors for the BBC are Gregor Sharp and Gavin Smith. Watch Only Child on BBC iPlayer Susan@
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
BBC reveals return of comedy series starring two Scots telly legends
The second series will focus on a number of hilarious themes. A COMEDY starring starring two of Scotland's most recognisable names has been greenlit for a second series. Only Child stars Gregor Fisher, best known as iconic sitcom favourite Rab C Nesbitt, and Greg McHugh, much-loved for his character Gary Tank Commander. Advertisement 2 The actors will play father and son for a second series. Credit: BBC 2 It's a big commitment from BBC Scotland. Credit: BBC The duo impressed in the six-part show for BBC Scotland last year and now decision makers have opted to extend its run. The pair play father and son Richard and Ken. McHugh, 45, portrays Richard, an only child and budding actor, who travels back to his family home in Scotland to look after his ageing and wilful dad Ken, played by Fisher, 71. McHugh said: "I am absolutely thrilled that Only Child has been given a second series - it was an absolute hoot to shoot with an amazing cast and crew. "Getting to work again with Gregor 'Loose Cannon' Fisher is the spice we all need in our lives. Thanks to all the audience who tuned in and gave us their support. Advertisement "Thanks also to the BBC for this amazing opportunity to return." Fisher added: "Well I never. "Back to Forres to spend time with young McHugh and the gang. It beats working." The first series followed Richard's long overdue visit to his eccentric, strong willed technophobe dad who was recently widowed and needs help. Advertisement Written once again by Bryce Hart, the second instalment will see more adventures as Richard and Ken bicker through everything from driving lessons and explaining what a QR code is to buying your own coffin Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning BBC Scotland said:'The magic of Bryce's writing takes a relatable situation and packs it with warmth and love as well as plenty of laughter. Trailer for new BBC series Only Child starring Gregor Fisher "We loved the relationship between father and son and Gregor and Greg brought their comedy A-game to the roles. "We're thrilled to be working with the team at Happy Tramp North to bring more of this heartwarming humour to BBC audiences.'
