Disability-based sitcom given a full run

BBC Three has commissioned a sitcom about a homeless man and his wheelchair-bound friend following the success of a pilot episode.

Channel controller Stuart Murphy has ordered six half-hour installments of I’m With Stupid, which was warmly received by critics.

It starred Paul Henshall as the wheelchair user Paul and Mark Benton, from Early Doors, as Sheldon, who he met in a Manchester police station.

It was created by Danny Peak, a winner of the BBC Talent hunt for new sitcom writers who cut his teeth on Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps. All will be involved in the newly commissioned series.

A BBC spokesman said: “I'm With Stupid is a contemporary Odd Couple-style comedy which explores disability in a funny and truthful way.”

The series will draw on the experience of up-and-coming Manchester writer Peter Keeley, who has cerebral palsy, who will become the series consultant.

 BBC comedy editor Kenton Allen said: "Danny and Paul collaborated brilliantly on the pilot of I'm With Stupid and they will continue to build on this relationship as they write the series.

"Over 50 per cent of the cast are registered disabled and it's fantastic to be able to bring fresh new perspectives and original and funny characters and stories to our viewers in this way."

The series will be filmed later this year in Manchester, and be made by the BBC Comedy North unit set up there to develop new comedy scripts.

Published: 19 Apr 2005