...and he's seeking a youngster to play him as a child

Alan Carr is working on a sitcom based on his 1980s upbringing.

He  is developing the series with Steve Coogan’s company  Baby Cow Productions – which has just put out a casting call to find a child actor to play the young comedian.

Carr previously told of his childhood in his 2009 memoir Look Who It Is?, which described how his early camp demeanour and lack of sporting prowess stood out in conservative Northampton, where his dad was the much-loved manager of the local football team.

In a video call-out for young actors to play him as a youth, Carr said: ‘We're looking for a young boy, 10 to 13, someone who has my energy, my charisma. Someone who’s got my kind of spirit.

‘Put your fake comedy teeth and glasses away, we don’t want a caricature here, This is about a young boy on the cusp of puberty starting his journey in this very masculine world of lower league football.

‘May the best Alan win!’

We’re delighted to announce that we are developing a BRAND NEW sitcom with #AlanCarr! We’re looking to cast a young Alan, watch the video for more details and if you think you know the perfect candidate, please visit: https://t.co/VLgYP5sx9b pic.twitter.com/dUFn2RyOXT

— babycow productions (@babycowLtd) February 15, 2021

The casting website asks would-be stars to record a monologue, which sets the scene for the comedy.

It reads: ‘I swear there was a mix up at the hospital. I do! Somewhere in Northampton, there's a hairdresser looking out his patio windows wondering why his son is more interested in playing keep-it-uppy, than learning how to give a cut and colour. It's what you could call a genetic own goal, no pun intended, my Dad's the local football manager you see. I mean I'm hardly footballer material, have you seen me? Classic pear with a sweet tooth, most boys go up a collar size over the summer holidays but I go up a cup size an all.

‘What can I say? I'm a sucker for a Flump, it's one of the few pleasures in my life. Well, that and bobbing down WH Smith to get my hands on a brand new Agatha Christie. Betty in Smiths says "you like a mystery don't you?" I thought "How you've maintained this job with such bad body odour is the biggest mystery", but I bit my tongue and just said.  " Give me a quarter of cola cubes my love, and then I'll get out of your hair.’

No broadcaster has yet been publicly attached to the possible sitcom.

Baby Cow’s previous slate includes Alan Partridge, Gavin & Stacey, The Trip, Uncle, The Mighty Boosh, Red Dwarf and Nighty Night.

Published: 16 Feb 2021