CHANGING ENDS: ITV ORDER ALAN CARR SITCOM

ITV has commissioned Changing Ends, a brand-new 6 x 30 autobiographical comedy starring Alan Carr, made by the multi-award winning Baby Cow Productions (Gavin & Stacey, Alan Partridge).

Changing Ends is co-written by the BAFTA award winning Alan Carr and the Scottish BAFTA & RTS award winning Simon Carlyle (Two Doors Down), based on Alan’s own life in Northampton in the 1980’s growing up as the son of a fourth division football manager.

Alan will star in the series as himself in present day, whilst taking on the role of young Alan is rising star Oliver Savell (Belfast), with further casting announced nearer transmission. Today, a new video has been released of Alan surprising Oliver at his home to reveal that he has been cast in the series.

The comedy series will be more than just a trip down memory lane, it’s a love letter to a time and a town where things weren’t always so inclusive. Told with warmth and wit, it follows Alan’s journey through puberty, adolescence, and finally self-discovery, all against the backdrop of Thatcher’s Britain.

As showcased in many of Alan’s stand-up shows, his experience as a gay teenager in the East Midlands is a veritable treasure trove with a rich comedic seam, whether it’s his sexual awakenings, his daily battle with bullies or navigating the highs and lows of fourth division football.

It’s about school and family, Kevin Keegan and George Micheal, and figuring out who you are when your family are Match of the Day and you’re a bit Miss Marple.

The series is produced by Baby Cow Productions and written by Alan Carr and Simon Carlyle. The director is Dave Lambert. The Exec producers are Baby Cow’s Sarah Monteith and Rupert Majendie, Alan Carr, Danny Julian and Simon Carlyle.

Alan Carr said: “Well if someone had told little old me back in Northampton in the mid 80’s that ITV would give me my own sitcom based on my life I would have choked on my Flumps. Super proud that I can share my story with you - expect lots of giggles, pathos and nostalgia and believe it or not football - who knew?!”

ITV's Head of Comedy, Nana Hughes said: "Alan Carr's Changing Ends brings a hilarious 1980s nostalgic comedy to ITV. Audiences are in for a treat as Alan & Simon have been able to mine plenty of comedy from these formative years!"

Baby Cow’s CEO Sarah Monteith said: “Behind the best comedy there’s often an unconventional voice trying to say something. That’s what Baby Cow is about and that’s what this show is for, standing up for inclusivity and celebrating difference. We’re very proud of it.”

Baby Cow’s co-founder and Creative Director Steve Coogan said: “I remember Alan working with Baby Cow 20 years ago and he arrived fully formed with an elemental Alan Carr-ness that was self-assured and hilarious...

"Changing Ends is the story of who he was before he knew who he was. Shot through with his irrepressible wit and charm, it's an honest, tender and brilliantly funny account of his teenage years that we think is quite special. He’ll go far.”

The 6 x 30 series will start filming in early 2023 for transmission on ITV later that year.