Cast also includes Sue Johnston, Bobby Ball, Nigel Havers and Kim Cattrall

Joe Wilkinson and Diane Morgan are to head a new sitcom with a  star-studded cast including Sue Johnston, Bobby Ball, Nigel Havers and Kim Cattrall.

Wilkinson wrote The Cockfields with David Earl – the Derek actor best known as Brian Gittins on the circuit. He also stars as Simon, who is taking girlfriend Donna (Morgan) back home to the Isle of Wight for the very first time to mark his 40th birthday.

Wilkinson previously performed a double-act with Philomena Cunk star Morgan entitled Two Episode Of M*A*S*H. He said: ‘David and I adore writing about this oddball family who, despite their faults and differences, love each other.  We can’t wait to see our dream cast bring The Cockfields to life.’ 

Earl added: ‘I’ve had to endure many months staring at Joe Wilkinson’s face over Skype whilst writing the scripts – he usually has food in his beard – so, after all that, I bloody hope everyone likes the show.’

Johnson plays Simon’s doting mother Sue and Ball is his controlling stepdad, Ray. Havers plays his biological dad Larry, who has a new American girlfriend, played by Sex And The City star Cattrall.

The cast also includes Ben Rufus Green as Simon’s Alan Titchmarsh-obsessed stepbrother David and comic Jeff Mirza as the Cockfields’ oddball handyman neighbour Andre.

Three 30-minute episodes have been ordered by the Gold channel to air later this year.

UKTV’s Pete Thornton, who commissioned the show from production company Yellow Door, said: ‘Hats off to David and Joe, scripts this good are very hard to come by and they’ve helped Yellow Door attract an incredible cast for our latest scripted adventure on Gold. 

‘The Cockfields is a thoroughly modern family comedy about a relatable shared experience – that weekend back at home when your no doubt well-meaning relatives just get more and more annoying with every passing hour. 

‘We’re delighted to be working with such a talented team - both in front of and behind the camera - on this charming, beautifully observed three-parter.’

Written by: David Earl and Joe Wilkinson
Director: Steve Bendelack
Made by: Yellow Door Productions
Producer: John Rushton
Executive producers: Lucy Lumsden and Lucy Ansbro.
Commissioner: Pete Thornton, UKTV head of scripted
Ordered by: Richard Watsham, director of commissioning, and Gerald Casey, Gold channel director. 

Published: 3 Jun 2019