BBC3 orders wheelchair comedy

BBC3 has commissioned a new sitcom about a wheelchair user and a homeless man.

I'm With Stupid is the first TV show from new writer Peter Keely, himself a wheelchair user, and is the latest project to emerge from the comedy unit the BBC set up in Manchester to develop Northern talent.

So far only a pilot episode has been commissioned, which will be filmed next month, but it is hoed to develop it into a series

The show stars Mark Benton from Early Doors as homeless Sheldon, with A Thing Called Love’s Paul Henshall (pictured), who has cerebral palsy,  as wheelchair-bound Paul.

The cast will also include stand-ups Seymour Mace and Steve Edge, who appeared in Phoenix Nights and was part of the subsequent Jumping On The Bandwagon tour.

Keeley devised the show with Danny Peak, who won the BBC Talent new sitcom writers award in 2002 and has since written episodes of Two Pints of Lager and A Packet of Crisps and My Hero.

A BBC spokesman said: “I'm With Stupid follows the unlikely relationship between the two central characters. They feel rejected by society but each has something that the other wants - Paul needs a friend and Sheldon needs a home.

“When they meet one night at a police station, Paul invites Sheldon to stay the night at his purpose built sheltered accommodation.

“Things get worse when Paul's neighbour offers up a gross-out bet which he can't refuse.”

BBC Editor of Comedy Kenton Allen said: "I'm With Stupid is a contemporary Odd Couple comedy that explores disability in a funny and truthful way.

 "Peter and Danny have written a really original script with two fascinating central characters and we think it shows great potential."

I'm With Stupid is the second of two pilots commissioned by BBC from the comedy unit - the first, 10:96 is about “two men, one police car and a night on the estate from hell”.

Published: 16 Feb 2005