The BBC's new post-apocalyptic hen do sitcom

Danny Dyer has joined the cast of new BBC comedy Henpocalypse!, it has been announced.

The former EastEnders star will film his role in the show next week –playing an exaggerated version of himself… as if he needs exaggerating.

He said: ‘When I saw the pilot for Henpocalypse! I pissed myself laughing and I was so honoured to be asked to be a part of such an amazing job. You’re all gonna fucking love it – it’s hilarious.’

The show revolves around bridezilla Zara – to be played by Lucie Shorthouse from We Are Lady Parts –  whose hen do is interrupted by the apocalypse.

She and her fellow hens, all working-class West Midlanders, face a struggle for survival while they wait out the breakdown of human civilisation in an isolated holiday cottage in Wales.

Socially-awkward Birmingham bridesmaid Jen, played by Kate O’Flynn from Everyone Else Burns, is a fan of Dyer’s So when she finds herself in a brutal post-apocalyptic world it's the Cockney geezer who comes to her in her moment of crisis.

He is described as ‘taking on the role of mentor and counsellor providing sage advice, psychological insight and weapons training, setting her on the path to her true destiny’.

Filming of the  six-part series has just got under way in Wirral and Snowdonia.

The BBC last week revealed the full cast of the ensemble comedy, which also includes Elizabeth Berrington (The Pact) as the formidable mother of the bride’ Callie Cooke (Cheaters) as put-upon chief bridesmaid Shelly; Lauren O’Rourke (White Gold) as conspiracy theorist beautician Veena. Ben McGregor from The Tuckers plays stripper Drew – possibly the only man to have survived the apocalypse.

Henpocalypse! was created by Caroline Moran, whose credits include Raised By Wolves, the Channel 4 comedy she wrote with her sister Caitlin based on their upbringing in Wolverhampton.  

Jon Petrie, director of comedy commissioning at the BBC, previously said: ‘It’s no surprise that Caz’s inventive scripts have attracted such a top cast. Her post-apocalyptic vision is both terrifying and utterly hilarious. We can’t wait to see it all come together.’

Published: 12 Mar 2023