RUSSELL TOVEY - No.605

HYMN & HER

Yes, we pray Russell Tovey's new show will be a success.

The BBC are banking on Him&Her. It's 'R' rated and on fairly late so the kiddies aren't going to see it unless by accident. It's lewd, crude and has a few obscenities thrown in. It should appeal to anyone under the age of 99. It's a kind of RomCom that doesn't have syrup or saccharine. In fact you might not even like the main couple for a few episodes - until you work them out!

Genre fans know Russell Tovey well from his portrayal of werewolf George Sands in Being Human and lovable Midshipman Alonso Frame on the spaceship Titanic in Doctor Who. He also appeared in one episode of Ashes to Ashes as Marcus Johnstone. Other roles include Budgie in Gavin & Stacey, John Chivery in Little Dorrit, Ben in Annually Retentive and Bill in Mud. He also starred as Rudge in the 2006 film The History Boys.

Sarah Solemani is less well known, but as well as Roman’s Empire she has also appeared in Mrs Henderson Presents, Suburban Shootout, Red Cap, Hyperdrive and the forthcoming second series of Psychoville.

Kerry Howard played Vicky in the BBC’s remake of Reggie Perrin and various roles in Girl Friday for Channel Four. Joe Wilkinson is a stand-up comedian and this is his debut as a television comedy actor. Ricky Champ played Geoff Hardcastle in two episodes of Family Affairs in 2005 and has had a number of guest roles in the likes of The Bill and Eastenders.

Other actors in the show include Joanna Bacon as Steve’s mum Janet, Camille Coduri as Laura’s friend Shelly, Blake Harrison as Steve’s mate Barney, Ian Burfield as Barney’s dad Mike, Natasha Stokes (making her television debut) as Barney’s girlfriend Gaye, Lizzie Roper as Dan’s girlfriend Paris and Martin Delaney as Becky’s gay friend Jamie.

The Team Behind Him & Her

Him & Her was written by Stefan Golaszewski, best known as a member of the comedy sketch group Cowards with which he has written and starred in a series for BBC4 and two for BBC Radio Four. The TV series was nominated for a Scottish Bafta in the category of Best Entertainment Show. He also writes for and sings with the pop group The Popsocks. He is adapting his play Stefan Golaszewski Speaks About a Girl He Once Loved as a feature film with the support of The Film Council.

The director of Him & Her is Richard Laxton, who has also directed the likes of Sea of Souls, Invasion: Earth, Bodies, Outlaws, The Riff Raff Element and Band of Gold. He received Bafta nominations for Hancock & Joan and Wing and a Prayer.

Him & Her was made by Big Talk Productions for the BBC. Kenton Allen, chief executive of Big Talk Productions, is the producer of Him & Her. Big Talk productions has also made the television show Spaced and the film Shaun of the Dead.