New series for BBC and Hulu

James Corden is to make a six-part comedy thriller for BBC Two called The Wrong Mans.

The corporation has partnered with American online service Hulu to fund the programme, which will then be available on demand from 2013.

Corden – who has been hailed as a stage star in the States since the success of the Broadway version of One Man, Two Guvnors – co-wrote the script with his friend Mathew Baynton, who played Deano in Gavin & Stacey and appeared in the kids’ sketch series Horrible Histories

Mathew said: 'James and I dreamt up The Wrong Mans during a break on the set of Gavin And Stacey four years ago.'

he duo play lowly office workers Phil and Sam, who get caught up in a criminal conspiracy.

Executive producer Mark Freeland, said: "We are trying to do a comedy with explosions, a lot of running about, murder, extortion, friendship and love. I cannot wait. But I’m glad I’m not doing the running about bit.

Matt Forde, executive vice-president of sales and co-productions with BBC Worldwide in America added: ‘Hulu has become a leading content platform where many terrific series such as Misfits and Rev have found a home and a significant audience in the U.S.

‘This deal is a fantastic example of a creative and commercial collaboration between Hulu and BBC comedy.’

It is the second co-production between the two companies following a deal with The Thick Of It, which allowed US audiences to watch the political thriller without censorship of the profligate swearing.

The show will be directed by Jim Field Smith, a former performer with the sketch group Dutch Elm Conservatoire, who has gone on to become an acclaimed director, with credits including Episodes, another transatlantic co-production.

The commission follows a successful pilot shot last year.

Published: 9 Oct 2012