BBC's Scarborough - all you need to know about the Jason Manford comedy from creators of Benidorm

Scarborough is set to hit the small screen when a new BBC comedy based in the seaside town airs.
Comedian Jason Manford. Picture by Tim Richardson.Comedian Jason Manford. Picture by Tim Richardson.
Comedian Jason Manford. Picture by Tim Richardson.

The series is set in the North Yorkshire town and the follows the lives Scarborough residents who are bonded by family, friendship and their love of karaoke.

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Mike and Karen are almost 40 and giving their relationship another go, five years after they split.

Comedian Jason Manford. Picture by Tim Richardson.Comedian Jason Manford. Picture by Tim Richardson.
Comedian Jason Manford. Picture by Tim Richardson.

The pair were always meant to be together, but Mike’s ambition to become a professional entertainer meant that he was never at home.

Now in his late 30s, Mike has realised what’s actually important to him and he’s given up life on the road to come back to Scarborough and give their relationship another go.

Who stars in it?

Comedian and actor Jason Manford, Catherine Tyldesley (Coronation Street), Stephanie Cole (Still Open All Hours, Coronation Street), Maggie Ollerenshaw (Last of the Summer Wine, Still Open All Hours), Steve Edge (Phoenix Nights, Benidorm), Claire Sweeney (Brookside), Harriet Webb (Edge Of Heaven, White Gold) and Gina Fillingham (National Treasure, Kiri).

Filming for Scarborough at the Ivy by the sea on Sandside, as Jason Manford takes a breather between takes during production. Picture: Richard Ponter.Filming for Scarborough at the Ivy by the sea on Sandside, as Jason Manford takes a breather between takes during production. Picture: Richard Ponter.
Filming for Scarborough at the Ivy by the sea on Sandside, as Jason Manford takes a breather between takes during production. Picture: Richard Ponter.
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It was written and directed by Derren Litten, award-winning creator of hit series Benidorm.

Made for BBC Studios comedy production for BBC One, it was produced by Gill Isles.

The Commissioning Editor for BBC One is Gregor Sharp and the Executive Producers are Stephen McCrum and James Farrell for BBC Studios.

Catherine Tyldesley. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA Wire.Catherine Tyldesley. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA Wire.
Catherine Tyldesley. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA Wire.
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The series was commissioned by Shane Allen, Controller of BBC Comedy, and Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content.

It was made with the help of Screen Yorkshire.

No release date has been confirmed, though it is though that the show will air later this year.

What have people said about it?

At the start of filming in April this year, Litten said: “Even though I’ve stuck close to themes I clearly love (the seaside, pubs and karaoke!), Scarborough is unlike anything I’ve written before.

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"I’m genuinely flattered by the calibre of actors my scripts have attracted and I can’t wait for BBC audiences to get caught up in the laughter, love and intrigue I’ve created all set against the backdrop of this beautiful North Yorkshire fishing town.”