...as his new show Can You Keep a Secret? debuts on BBC One

Comedy writer-producer Simon Mayhew-Archer has launched  a new production company, as his latest series Can You Keep a Secret? debuts on BBC One this week.

Mayhew-Archer previously produced This Country, Brave Girls and Funboys for the BBC, plus three series of Josh Widdicombe’s self-titled sitcom.

Can You Keep a Secret?, starring Dawn French and Mark Heap, is Mayhew-Archer's first solo writing project. Co-produced with Big Talk and CBS Studios, the series will also stream on Paramount+ in the US.

'I want Mayhay Studios to be a home for brilliant new writers and performers to do their proudest work; a company that helps them take creative risks and supports them to make shows that feel truthful, surprising and genuinely funny,' Mayhew-Archer said.

'Making good television can be hard but with a clear vision and a commitment to authenticity, it can also be the best fun and help you avoid getting a real job.'

The studio's slate includes the second series of Funboys, plus a series called Lovebots,which Mayhew-Archer is writing with Funboys star Ele McKenzie.

» Simon Mayhew-Archer on Can You Keep a Secret?

Published: 7 Jan 2026