The first look at a new Stockport-set BBC sitcom starring Aimee Lou Wood and David Morrissey due to air this year has been released.
Further casting details have also been announced too.
It comes after filming on the six-part comedy series, which is titled Daddy Issues, officially got underway last year and has now wrapped.
First announced in mid-December last year, with the initial plot and stars confirmed, and already being described as “genuinely laugh-out-loud”, the show follows Gemma, played by Manchester actress Aimee Lou Wood – who is most-known for her role on Netflix’s Sex Education – who lives for the weekend when she can “get blasted and party hard” in Stockport.
But after joining the mile-high club with a random hook-up on her way back from a holiday to Portugal, she finds out she’s pregnant.
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📢 BBC Comedy orders Daddy Issues for @bbcthree with Aimee Lou Wood and David Morrissey to star
At its heart, the new series is a classic odd couple comedy about two funny, deeply flawed characters, who just happen to be father and daughter
The pregnancy couldn’t have come at a worse time for Gemma, as the only person she has left in her life is her dad Malcolm – played by David Morrissey – who is “kind hearted but useless”, and is suffering from the collapse of his family and living in a bedsit for divorced men.
Gemma and her dad end up living together in Gemma’s flat, as she needs support at a critical time in a woman’s life, and he needs help microwaving rice without it exploding.
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According to the BBC, at its heart, Daddy Issues is a “classic odd couple comedy” about two funny but deeply-flawed characters, who just happen to be father and daughter, and along the way, there’ll be dating disasters and failed romances, toxic friendships and messy family dynamics, plus a dangerously-sociopathic antenatal teacher.
Daddy Issues stars Aimee Lou Wood and David Morrissey in the lead roles / Credit: BBC
The show is written by Danielle Ward, who has notably written for other shows such as Brassic, and In The Long Run.
“It had been a very long time since a script had made me laugh out loud, but Danielle’s did exactly that,” commented Aimee Lou Wood as the new show was announced.
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“Then when I heard David was involved, I was even more excited, as he’s someone I have admired throughout my life. Watching shows like Blackpool and Red Riding when I was younger fuelled my interest in acting and so it feels surreal and amazing to be working with someone I class as a legend and inspiration.”
David Morrissey added: “I’m delighted to be working with Aimee Lou Wood as she’s someone I’ve admired for a while now. She’s a truly unique and gifted talent. Danielle has crafted such a funny and heartfelt piece and I’m so excited to be part of it.”
📸 Here's your first look at Aimee Lou Wood & David Morrissey in Daddy Issues, coming to @BBCiPlayer & @bbcthree
When Gemma discovers she’s pregnant after a random hook-up, she has no choice but to turn to her hapless father Malcolm for support
As well as releasing the long-awaited first look image, the BBC has also made some supporting casting announcements set to star in the series alongside Wood and Morrissey.
These include both famous names and rising stars alike.
David Fynn, Sharon Rooney, Sarah Hadland, Taj Atwal, Arian Nik, Tom Stourton, Susan Lynch, Susannah Fielding, Lauren O’Rourke, Cyril Nri, and Cora Kirk are just some of the other actors who have been confirmed as part of the Daddy Issues cast.
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Perry Fitzgerald, Claire Keelan, Damien Molony, Sherrie Hewson, Humphrey Ker, and David Reed all round out the talented cast.
Daddy Issues will air on BBC Three sometime in 2024, with further details and scheduling set to be announced “in due course”, according to the BBC.
Featured Image – James Stack (via BBC)
TV & Showbiz
A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester with DJs blasting 2000s indie and emo anthems
Emily Sergeant
A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester this spooky season.
It’s been nearly 20 years since the release of the titular first film in the Twilight Saga, based on author Stephanie Meyer’s bestselling book series of the same name, but despite two decades having passed, the films remain as beloved as ever.
Twilight went on to become a global phenomenon when it first hit cinemas back in November 2008, not just with its target audience of teens and young adults, but with people of all ages – making stars out of its lead actors Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in the process, and generating millions at the box office.
With the impact it had on the culture at the time, it’s no wonder Twilight remained among fans’ favourites all these years later.
And this success is why events company Throwback Events is hosting a series of Twilight Raves across the UK and Europe this autumn, making a stop off here in Manchester in late November with tickets now on sale.
The event description reads: “Bella, where the hell you been loca? Join us as we celebrate Twilight at the club, where every day is Hoa Hoa Hoa season.
“Step into the shadows and relive the magic, mystery, and eternal romance of Twilight. Get ready for a night of anthems, nostalgia, and glittering darkness as we transform the dancefloor into Forks’ most iconic vampire coven.”
DJs will be spinning Twilight soundtracks on the night, alongside dark pop, emo, indie, and 2000s bangers, as well as playing fan edits from the films on big screens.
Oh, and to make it all the better, dressing up as vampires and werewolves is ‘highly encouraged’.
Fancy it then? The Twilight Rave is coming to the Deaf Institute in Manchester on Saturday 21 November, and tickets will set you back upwards of £7 each.
Manchester cinemas are offering tickets to big blockbusters for just £4 this weekend
Emily Sergeant
You can watch some of the year’s biggest blockbusters for just £4 this weekend.
That’s because, to celebrate National Cinema Weekend (5-6 September), Vue has announced that it’ll be offering cut-price tickets to everything from the latest blockbusters and family favourites, to indie horrors and classic re-releases, so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the full cinematic experience this autumn.
Some of the highlights currently showing that you’ll be able to see for just £4 include summer hits like Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, and Toy Story 5, as well as the recent release of Ridley Scott’s latest film, The Dog Stars, starring Jacob Elordi.
Family favourites such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, and Cars will also be screening over National Cinema Weekend.
Meanwhile, horror fans can also catch new releases Insidious: Out of the Further, and indie horror Leviticus, or see the year’s biggest horror hit, Obsession, if you haven’t already.
The best bit about the offer? It applies to every seat on every showing, all weekend long.
This means that film lovers can enjoy Vue’s biggest and comfiest seats, Ultra Lux, which are strategically positioned to give the best possible view of the big screen – with extra-wide armrests, back and leg rests that recline independently, a personal table for snacks and beverages, and a state-of-the-art wine cooler, all for just £4 each.
Mike Anton, General Manager at Vue Manchester Printworks, said it’s been ‘an incredible year’ for film, adding: “This National Cinema Weekend, we want to celebrate the big screen experience by giving back to our audiences.
Emily Sergeant -
28th February 2024 
