'It's a show about neurodiversity and acceptance'

Ben Miller and Sally Phillips have started filming a new comedy in Australia.

In Austin, which is being shot in Canberra, the British comedy stars play a much-loved children’s author, Julian, and his illustrator wife, Ingrid, 

Both their careers appear over when Julian inadvertently causes a social media storm -  until Austin (Michael Theo), the neurodivergent son that Julian never knew existed, turns up out of the blue.

Producers Northern Pictures say: 'Could embracing this modern nuclear family be Julian’s route back from cancellation? Will Ingrid forgive him for being such a pompous shit? One thing is for certain: if Julian thinks Austin is going to be a push over, he’s in for a rude awakening.'

Theo is making his acting debut on the comedy, having previously been on reality show Love on the Spectrum, currently available on Netflix in the UK.

The show is being made for the ABC in Australia, where it will air next year, in association with ITV Studios.

ABC's head of scripted programming, Rachel Okine, said: 'Everyone loved Michael Theo when he opened his heart to us in Love on the Spectrum, and they’re going to love him all over again when he shows off his comic chops alongside comedy legends Ben Miller and Sally Phillips in this humorous and heart-warming international series.'

The show is backed by Screen Australia, whose head of content, Grainne Brunsdon, added: 'At its heart, Austin is a show about neurodiversity and acceptance.

'This funny and original comedy series, starring the incredibly talented and much-loved Michael Theo, alongside comedy legends Ben Miller and Sally Phillips will bring laughter, joy and a flurry of heart-warming moments to our screens.

'Austin is a testament to the power of storytelling in promoting inclusivity, and we're absolutely delighted to be part of this series.'

Austin was written and created by Miller alongside British writing duo  Lloyd Woolf and Joe Tucker - who penned Witless and Click & Collect in the UK -  Australian writer-directors Darren Ashton and Kala Ellis and actor-director Adam Zwar.

Published: 12 Nov 2023