By Gemma Dunn

Published 24th May 2023, 11:45 BST

Changing Ends, a new autobiographical comedy for ITVX starring and co-written by the Bafta Award-winner himself, will follow his journey through puberty and adolescence, and finally self-discovery, all against the backdrop of Thatcher’s Britain.

However the six-part sitcom is more than just a trip down memory lane; told with warmth and wit, it is a love letter to his home town, 46-year-old Carr says, at a time when things were not always so inclusive. “I wanted to create Northampton’s own The Crown. Olivia Colman’s playing me in the next part!” he begins, his infectious cackle instantly drawing laughs.

“Sorry, I just find it so personal, doing this,” he adds, suddenly coy. “I remember the first time we had a read through – everyone thinks I’m overconfident and stuff – just sitting there with everyone, someone playing my mum, someone playing my dad, someone playing me, writing jokes that I’ve co-written.

Pictured: Graham Carr [Shaun Dooley], Young Alan [Oliver Savell] and Ron [Colin Salmon]. Credit: ©ITV.

“It was just so nerve-wracking. I just hope everyone loves it.”

That is looking likely, considering the nation’s love for Carr as one of our most successful and treasured comedians.

As showcased in many of his stand-up shows, Carr’s experience as a gay teenager in the East Midlands has long provided him with a rich seam of comedy gold, whether it is his sexual awakenings, his daily battle with bullies or navigating the highs and lows of fourth division football.

Now the Chatty Man presenter – who teamed up with writer Simon Carlyle for the piece – will lead the ensemble cast as himself in the present day, with rising star Oliver Savell taking on the role of young Alan.

Pictured: Young Alan [Oliver Savell]. Credit: ©ITV.

Barnsley-born Shaun Dooley and Nancy Sullivan portray his parents Graham (who managed Northampton Town, the Cobblers, at the old County Ground) and Christine, with Taylor Fay playing his younger brother Gary.

Meeting the real Graham and Christine was a highlight for the actors.

“Let’s just say that Alan is the quiet one when you’re with Alan’s family – you totally see where he’s come from!” muses Sullivan, 38. “He’s written his mum so funny; she’s got such brilliant funny lines and she’s so caring. But then when I met Christine, I was so shocked to see how strong she was. There’s a real hardness, in a nice way.”

“Meeting the parents was unbelievable,” mirrors Innocent actor Dooley, 49. “But also there’s a pressure (that comes with) playing a real person and having them there.

“But what was beautiful about both of them is that they both gave us permission to do it. There and then, they both went, ‘Doesn’t matter what you do – go, go, go,’ and that was just a nice feeling.”

Changing Ends is available to stream on ITVX from Thursday, June 1.

Alan Carr on his new ITVX show Changing Ends based on his Northampton childhood