More actors join Jason Cook's sitcom

Gina McKee, Jan Ravens and Phil Nice have joined the cast of BBC Two’s new comedy series Hebburn, created by stand-up Jason Cook.

Filming on the six-part began in the eponymous Tyneside town this week, with the script based on Cook’s own experiences growing up there.

Fellow comic Chris Ramsey plays the central character of Jack, while, confusingly Cook plays his best friend... who’s called Ramsey.

Vic Reeves and Our Friends In The North star Gina McKee will play Jack’s parents, while comedy stalwarts Ravens and Nice play the parents of Sarah, the Jewish girl Jack secretly married after leaving home for Manchester. She will be played by Fresh Meat’s Kimberley Dixon.

Nice said: ‘Having seen Jason Cook’s show in Edinburgh last summer, I’m not surprised that the writing in this series is so good – the characters are really strong and I’m very happy to be part of Hebburn.’

Ravens added: ‘Jason Cook has such an individual style. It's earthy, outrageous and has a heart of gold… and it's dead funny.’

Also newly announced in the cast is stand-up Steffen Peddie, who will play Jack’s friend, Big Keith

Ideal creator Graham Duff also worked on the scripts for the show, which is being made by Baby Cow and Channel X.

Published: 26 Apr 2012