Derry Girls star Jamie-Lee O’Donnell boards new BBC comedy
Jamie-Lee O’Donnell has boarded a new BBC show called Hopley Hall.
Jamie-Lee O’Donnell is set to star in a new BBC comedy called Hopley Hall.
The actress - who is best known for playing Michelle Mallon in the Channel 4 sitcom Derry Girls - will star in the new six-part series, which is centred around an historic but shabby Grade 1-listed house in the Northern Ireland countryside.
Jamie-Lee said: "Delighted to be at the forefront of Daniel Peak’s new BBC comedy series and looking forward to bringing this fun and exciting project to life. I’ll see you soon at Hopley Hall."
Daniel Peak, the show's creator and writer, is also thrilled to be making the programme.
Daniel said: "I’m very excited and grateful for this opportunity to write a big, warm-hearted ensemble sitcom for the BBC, and to be doing it with an extremely talented writing team in Northern Ireland and for the UK’s best and funniest actors.
"I’m looking forward to opening the gates of Hopley Hall for public viewing."
Chris Jones, an executive producer for Nice One, and Phil Temple, an executive producer for Birdie Picture, are both delighted to be working on Hopley Hall, too.
They said: "To make a sitcom for the BBC is a dream come true.
"We can’t wait to add to its unrivalled list of classic comedies and to introduce the hardworking (if a little eccentric...) staff of Hopley Hall into the UK’s homes and hearts, thanks to the genius writing of Daniel Peak, the gorgeous direction of Tom Marshall, and the wisdom of the BBC comedy commissioners.
"Like an Artemis astronaut we are over the far side of the moon about this chance to shine a light on the funniest Northern Ireland comedy writers and performers."
Meanwhile, Jon Petrie, the BBC's Director of Comedy, believes Hopley Hall is bringing together a very talented group of people.
Jon explained: "With Jamie-Lee O’Donnell’s impeccable comic acting, Daniel Peak’s brilliantly clever writing, fresh material from some exciting new Northern Ireland comedy writers, and Tom Marshall directing, Hopley Hall has all the ingredients for something properly special. Expect laughs, warmth, wit and a lot of chaos.
"We can’t wait for BBC viewers to see it."
