For a new BBC comedy set in 1990s Manchester

Car Share writer Paul Coleman is to reunite with Sian Gibson for a new BBC One comedy.

Set in Manchester in 1990, Undoing Martin Parker will star Game Of Thrones actor Conleth Hill as a self-made impresario with the ambition of Alan Sugar and the swagger of Robert Kilroy Silk. A man with a chain of electrical stores bearing his name, he seems to have it all – but he is swimming in debt, his complicated private life is catching up with him and he’s starting to lose his power.

The six-part series, written by Coleman and Gibson, follows his downfall at the hands of all those he’s screwing over with his lust for money, sex and success.

They include wife Diane (Rosie Cavaliero), father-in-law Dougie (George Costigan), mobile hairdresser Kath (Gibson) and Kath’s best mate Gladys (Sheila Reid).

Coleman said: ‘Thrilled to be writing this series and working with such a wonderfully talented cast, who are all helping us shine a much-needed light on the themes of family feuds, revenge and top-loading VCRs.’

Gibson added: ‘Luckily, my fashion sense hasn’t changed since 1990, so it’s a dream to be reliving my youth and dusting off my crimpers with this amazing cast and wonderful team.’ 

The series – which will be filmed in Stockport early next year – was commissioned by Jon Petrie, the BBC’s director of comedy.

He said: ‘Sian and Paul have created an irresistible gang of comedy characters and a world packed with joyful nostalgia. 

‘The quality of their writing is matched by a fantastic cast and we’re incredibly excited to introduce Martin Parker and bring this lovable rogue to BBC audiences next year.’

Published: 25 Aug 2022