Miller to play Vegas's dad

The stand-up will appear in the new series of Ideal as Keith, father of Vegas’s small-time drug dealer Moz.

The role is the latest step in the 58-year-old’s career revival since appearing on the Channel 4 reality show Kings Of Comedy, which led to circuit bookings at Manchester’s XS Malarkey and Comedy Store.

Miller said of his new role: ‘I got a phone call asking if I would be interested in doing it. I understand that Johnny Vegas had suggested me. I had met Johnny before and was a fan of his work.

‘I’ve been waiting for a part like Keith for years. The part is exactly what I wanted to do. I loved the first three series, it’s so well written. I like the fact that the programme is almost cult viewing. It’s a very credible role.

‘I’ll never give up stand-up, but I would like to do more TV. I’m hoping that we’ll get another series of Ideal. I’m hoping the show helps me realise some of my ambitions. I would love to do more acting. I’m 58 now and still have ambitions.’

Writer Graham Duff said: ‘When I wrote the part, I had a clear idea about the character in my head, but in terms of casting it was wide open. Then as soon as we saw Mick read for the part we knew he was the one. The chemistry between him and Johnny was clear.

‘Obviously Mick is incredibly experienced as a stand-up. He’s clever, clean, inventive and above all bloody funny. So I didn’t have any worries about his ability to handle the gags in the show, but what impressed us all was how much depth he was able to give the more emotional scenes.

‘I think a lot of people will be surprised by what a good actor Mick is. In much the same way a number of people seem to have been surprised by how fine an actor Johnny is.’

Miller’s previous acting role was in the Alan Bleasdale 1978 TV play, Scully’s New Years Eve.

Ideal returns to BBC There at 10.30pm on April 28. Here is a trailer for the new series:

Published: 17 Apr 2008