Meet the stars of ITV2's new wrestling comedy Deep Heat

Here are the first images and trailer from Deep Heat, ITV2’s new comedy set in the world of British professional wrestling.

The series comes from Max & Ivan, the comedy duo behind The Wrestling shows at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Max Olesker – himself a former wrestler under the ring name Max Voltage –  plays newbie Jack, while Ivan Gonzalez is the eccentric roadie Woodhouse.

The comedy follows quick-witted, rebellious Holly, played by Jahannah James, a frustrated wannabe wrestler.

Guest stars over the six-part  series – which launches on March 28 – include Matt Lucas and  John Thomson.

Episodes star Stephen Mangan is executive producing his show with his wife, and fellow actor, Louise Delamere They have called the show ‘a high-energy and joyous comic celebration of wrestling, glamour and tight spandex’.

Here's the trailer:

And here are the key characters in the BOSS Pro roster:

HOLLY played by Jahannah James

Quick-witted, rebellious and frustrated - Holly has been held back by her over-protective mum and bullied by her insecure brother for years. But now it’s her time to shine - and just maybe (as long as her mum doesn’t find out) step into the ring…

NICK NITRO played by Richard Fleeshman

Holly’s brother, Nick has always been seen as the golden child who can do no wrong. A selfish, talented-but-never-made-it wrestling star who’s extremely cocky.

BEN played by Paul Olima

Easily confused, but with a heart of gold. Quick to get frustrated – but at himself more than anyone else. Ben’s a great guy to have on your side - unless that side is between him and his third lunch.

BERTHA by Sharon Rooney

Blunt, no-bullshit, 11/10 self-confidence with an eye-popping array of costumes. Beneath her spectacular rudeness, fiercely loyal.

JACK played by Max Olesker

Although desperate to get in the ring, talented trainee Jack is too terrified to wrestle in public. Awkward and highly-strung, he struggles to make friends - or even colleagues - until Woodhouse decides they are kindred spirits.

WOODHOUSE played by Ivan Gonzalez

Freewheeling, eccentric but eternally optimistic, Woodhouse cares little for how he’s perceived, or for personal hygiene. He’s been training to wrestle for eight years, but is certain he’ll debut any day now.

PAM played by Pippa Haywood

Formerly ‘Pam Slam, the Queen of Glam’, this ex-wrestler is now BOSS Pro Wrestling’s chain-smoking promoter. A furious temper and a dark sense of humour. Terrifying matriarch - hero-worships her son Nick, whilst wrapping Holly in cotton wool.

CLIFFORD BAXTER played by Alistair Petrie

Faded former champion ‘The Gentleman Grappler’ Clifford Baxter has Still Got It - just. Suave, charming, drinks a little too much. Sticks around out of respect for Pam.

MYA played by Sasha Desouza-Willock

The gang’s young, fast-talking artist extraordinaire. Always on the hustle - Mya sees her stint as referee and ring announcer as (somehow) a stepping-stone to becoming a millionaire CEO.

MANGO played by Abby Russell

Hyper-enthusiastic wrestling super-fan, and chronic oversharer. Hobbies include arts and crafts, maintaining a barely-viewed wrestling vlog, and keeping up her scarily-detailed knowledge of every wrestler in the country.

EPISODE GUIDE

1 - The Betrayal

Wannabe wrestler Holly has spent a lifetime in her brother’s shadow. But, when Nick betrays the family company and steals the top talent, Holly seizes the chance to put on a show with BOSS’s underdogs.

2 – The Showcase

Holly’s leadership is off to a rocky start as BOSS’s tour is cancelled by her devious brother. The gang have one chance at a showcase that will keep the company alive! Only Jack and Woodhouse have lost the wrestling ring…(guest star Matt Lucas)

3 - The Panther

Holly’s position is challenged by Enrique ‘The Panther’, a booze-sodden 80s wrestling star — and Woodhouse’s Dad! A late-night encounter with Jack begins a campaign to win back the gang’s hearts and minds. (guest star John Thomson)

4 - The ‘Tour’

The gang leave training to wrestle at dingy holiday camp Potkins, and promptly go tour-crazy. Meanwhile, with the help of Jack and Woodhouse, a hooded Holly secretly makes her wrestling debut..!

5 - The Night Off

As the Big Show approaches, Holly’s feeling the pressure. When the gang insist on a night off – and Jack goes off on a date – Holly is left feeling like the reject her brother always said she was.

6 - The Main Event

Holly has led the gang to BOSS Pro Wrestling’s Big Show – but a final act of brotherly spite threatens to end their dreams for good. Can the underdogs pull off the impossible and steal back the limelight?

Published: 16 Mar 2022