As Tim Key named as one of its stars

A new backpacking comedy-drama written by Tom Basden and starring Tim Key is to be screened in the US.

As Chortle reported in January, E4 has  commissioned an eight-part series, Foreign Bodies, about a motley gang of travellers embarking on a three-month trip around Asia. 

The plot involves two British lads  Sean and Dylan, who meet American girls May and Ashley in Beijing and opt to travel together across Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

Casting details have been revealed today as it was reported that America’s TNT network will also air the series.

The male leads are played by Ade Oyefeso, who appeared alongside Sean Penn and Idris Elba in 2014 movie The Gunman, and Anders Hayward, a model new to screen acting. The female leads are played by Canada’s Brittney Wilson and American Alice Lee.

Meanwhile Key plays Greg, a 38-year-old in denial about his marriage, his business and life in general – as well as joining Basden on the writing team. That also includes fellow comic Johnny Sweet as well as established writers James Wood (Rev), Tony Roche (Veep), and Charlie Covell (Banana)

The series is scheduled to launch on E4 in early 2017, then on TNT later in the year.

Speaking to Hollywood website Deadline, Sarah Aubrey, from the US broadcaster, said the show ‘will appeal to young adults around the globe,’ adding: ‘It’s also a great chance to bring Tom Basden’s unique voice to our stateside viewers.’

When the commission was originally announced, Channel 4’s head of drama, Piers Wenger, said: ‘Tom’s script captures perfectly the pleasures and the pain of the gap year backpacker as he follows the experiences of five young travellers on an epic and hilarious quest to find paradise while also trying to find themselves.’

Former Edinburgh best newcomer winner Basden has previously written on Fresh Meat, The Wrong Mans and Plebs.

Published: 4 May 2016