Diane Morgan’s comedy to return with a host of top guest stars

The BBC has ordered a second series of Diane Morgan’s comedy Mandy.

Filming has begun on six 15-minute episodes that the Philomena Cunk comedian writes and directs, as well as starring in.

The new series has attract top-flight guest stars including Sir Tom Courtenay, Anna Maxwell Martin, Nick Mohammed, Alexei Sayle, Nigel Planer, Kate Robbins  and Charlie Chuck.

Morgan said: ‘At this time of debate about the future of the BBC, a second series of Mandy could not be more timely. If anything proves the worth of the corporation it's a show about a woman who wants to breed doberman pinchers. It's not something you'd get on Amazon Prime or BFI Player.’

Her title character is struggling with a series of short-lived jobs in the gig economy such as becoming tour guide. In other storylines she goes on a reality show and learns to swim.

The first series ran last summer, following a 2019 pilot, and launched with a cumulative  1.6million viewers for the first episode.

Returning cast include Michelle Greenidge as Lola, Mandy’s friend and confidante in the local nail bar, and Tom Basden  as Mandy’s exasperated benefits officer, along with comedians Alistair Green, Mark Silcox and  Michael Spicer.

Other guest stars include Richard Hope, Jo Hartley, Peter McDonald, Richard Hope, Roger Sloman  – while Konnie Huq, Deborah Meaden and Dr Brian Cox all play themselves.

BBC commissioning editor Gregor Sharp said: ‘Diane has created an instantly iconic comedy character in Mandy and we can’t wait to see what trouble follows her in this new series.’

Made by: BBC Studios and Witchcraft Industries
Written, directed by and starring: Diane Morgan
Producers: Michael Spicer and Kenny Tanner
Executive producer: Ben Caudell

Published: 29 Jul 2021