Sophie Willan's award-winning comedy to return

Alma’s Not Normal is to return for a second series, the BBC has announced.

The comedy has won several major awards and is up for three Baftas in the forthcoming ceremony. Creator Sophie Willan last year won the award for best comedy writer for the pilot.

The comedian, who also stars as the title character, said: ‘I’ve been overwhelmed by the response to the show – people seem to really love and relate to the Nuthalls which means a lot and to get the chance to continue that story is beyond what I could have hoped for.

‘That on the back of the awards we’ve received is a bit mind-blowing if I’m honest. To be recognised by Bafta, Broadcast Awards, The Royal Television Society, peers and our audience in such a way is a real honour. I’m thrilled to get back in the writing room to see where Alma’s journey takes us next.’

Describing the show as a ‘bitingly funny and unflinching take on class, sexuality, mental health and substance abuse’, BBC Two has ordered six more half-hour episodes from programme-makers Expectation.

Nerys Evans, the company’s creative director of scripted programmes, said: ‘Sophie Willan is one of the most naturally gifted comedy writers I’ve had the pleasure of working with. It’s been so wonderful seeing the response to Almas not Normal. Viewers have connected so instantly to Sophie’s characters. Like everyone else, I can’t wait to see what Alma and her brilliant family do next.’

The cast also includes Jayde Adams as Leanne, Alma's best friend, Siobhan Finneran as Alma's mother Lin and Lorraine Ashbourne as Alma's grandmother Joan.

Jon Petrie, the BBC’s director of comedy commissioning, said: ‘We couldn’t be prouder to commission the award-winning Alma’s Not Normal for a second series.

‘It’s a privilege to work with Sophie and her brilliantly bold and original comedy brain. Sophie embodies everything that you can achieve with the unique opportunities BBC comedy can offer exciting new voices.’

Broadcast details for series two have yet to be confirmed, but the first is still available on iPlayer.

Made by: Expectation
Written by: Sophie Willan
Executive producers: Sophie Willan, Nerys Evans
Commissioned by: Jon Petrie, BBC director of comedy commissioning
Commissioning editor for the BBC: Tanya Qureshi.

Published: 22 Apr 2022