Comic will organise a wedding for BBC One show

Tom Allen is helping to arrange a wedding  for a new BBC One show celebrating the 10th anniversary of same-sex marriages.

In the one-off film, provisionally entitled My Big Gay Wedding, the comic will also reflect on his own experiences of growing up gay as well as considering how far gay rights have advanced. And he will meet the LGBTQ+ campaigners who helped change the law. 

He said: ‘The fact that same sex couples couldn't get married here just ten years ago means we should never be complacent about the progress we've made and so it's only right to celebrate it thoroughly. 

‘I'm looking forward to making this joyous celebration of love and gay marriage – or garriage as I like to call it.’

Producers are still looking for a gay couple who are planning to get married to take part in the programme, saying: ‘Whether you’ve been together for a decade or just a few weeks, we want to hear your story and help make your special day unforgettable.’ 

My Big Gay Wedding was commissioned by Tom Daisy Scalchi, the BBC’s head of religion and ethics programming.

He said: ‘I am so excited about this film. To be celebrating this momentous anniversary with a couple at such an important time in their lives is a privilege. 

‘Tom is the perfect person to guide them towards their dream day, while reflecting on how we've got to now and what that means to so many’

Legislation legalising same-sex marriage was passed in Parliament in July 2013, and in the Scottish Parliament seven months later. The first same-sex ceremony was held on March 29, 2014.

My Big Gay Wedding is being made by SAS:Who Dares Wins producer Minnow Films under executive producers Alicia Kerr and Sophie Leonard. The director is Mike Nicholls – who previously shot the Channel 4 programme My Massive Cock – and the producer is Dearbhaile Flynn.

Published: 30 Jun 2023