Filming has begun on Daddy Issues, a new six-part BBC Three comedy starring Sex Education’s Aimee Lou Wood and The Walking Dead’s David Morrissey.
In the show – written by former stand-up Danielle Ward – Wood plays Stockport party girl Gemma, who gets pregnant after joining the mile-high club with a random hook-up on her way back from a holiday to Portugal.
The only person Gemma has left in her life is her dad Malcolm (Morrissey), who is kind-hearted but useless and lives in a bedsit for divorced men. He then moves in with her to offer support.
The BBC says that ’at its heart Daddy Issues is a classic odd couple comedy about two funny, deeply flawed characters who just happen to be father and daughter. Along the way, there will be dating disasters and failed romances, toxic friendships and messy family dynamics, plus a dangerously sociopathic antenatal teacher.’
Wood, who won a Bafta for her performance as Aimee Gibbs in Sex Education, said: ‘It had been a very long time since a script had made me laugh out loud. Danielle’s did exactly that.
‘Then when I heard David was involved, I was even more excited. He’s someone I have admired throughout my life. Watching shows like Blackpool and Red Riding when I was younger fuelled my interest in acting and so it feels surreal and amazing to be working with someone I class as a legend and inspiration.’
Morrissey added: ‘I’m delighted to be working with Aimee Lou Wood as she’s someone I’ve admired for a while now. She’s a truly unique and gifted talent. Danielle has crafted such a funny and heartfelt piece and I’m so excited to be part of it.’
Daddy Issues is being made by Fudge Park, the production company set up by Inbetweeners creators Iain Morris and Damon Beesley. Beesley will direct some of the half-hour episodes alongside Catherine Morshead, whose credits include The Full Monty.
Jon Petrie, director of comedy commissioning at the BBC, says: "In Daddy Issues, Danielle has created a genuinely laugh-out-loud sitcom. We’re delighted to be working with her, and the Fudge Park team, on the show. Having Aimee and David cast as the co-leads was the cherry on the cake.’
Ward added: ‘I cannot wait for the world to meet Gemma and Malcolm, and I’m so grateful to the BBC for finally giving me my own series, 20 years after I lost the BBC New Comedy Awards.
‘Aimee and David were my dream casting from the get-go and who ever gets their dream cast? It’s a total thrill to be working with such naturally funny and wildly talented actors.’
Further casting and scheduling are yet to be announced.
Daddy Issues production credits
Made by: Fudge Park
Written by: Danielle Ward
Directors: Catherine Morshead, Damon Beesley
Producer: Lynn Roberts
Executive produces: Phil Gilbert, Aimee Lou Wood, David Morrissey, Danielle Ward and Damon Beesley
Commissioned by: Jon Petrie, director of comedy commissioning at the BBC
