Filming Kicks Off for New BBC Comedy Series "Only Child" Starring Gregor Fisher and Greg McHugh

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

This week marks the start of filming for Only Child, a new six-part comedy series from BBC Comedy and BBC Scotland, produced by Happy Tramp North. The show features Gregor Fisher, known for Rab C Nesbitt and Love Actually, and Greg McHugh, famous for The A Word, Fresh Meat, and Gary Tank Commander, as a father-son duo.

Only Child follows the story of Richard, an only child and aspiring actor played by McHugh, who returns to his family home in Scotland to care for his ageing and stubborn father, Ken, portrayed by Fisher. The series, written by Bryce Hart, is set to capture the humorous yet touching dynamics of inter-generational and domestic differences through Richard and Ken's relationship.

Filming is taking place in Glasgow and various locations in the North East of Scotland over the summer. The narrative kicks off with Richard's long-overdue visit to his recently widowed father, Ken. Richard soon realises that his eccentric, technophobic, and strong-willed dad might need more full-time help, even if Ken vehemently disagrees. This setup paves the way for a blend of neighbourly squabbles and heartwarming moments, all through the comedic lens of their father-son bond.

The series boasts a stellar cast of Scottish and Irish talent, including Amy Lennox (Holby City, Shetland), Stuart Bowman (Rebus, Guilt, Gary Tank Commander), Forbes Masson (The Crown, EastEnders), Clare Barrett (Fair City, Sisters), Robin Laing (Guilt, The Gold), and Paul Rattray (Jamestown, Game of Thrones).

Expressing his excitement about the project, Greg McHugh said, "If you'd told my younger self graduating from drama school that one day I'd be shooting a father/son comedy with one of my heroes Gregor Fisher, I wouldn't have believed you. To be honest, it still doesn't seem real. Bryce Hart has written a beautiful show full of laughs with some really touching moments. I cannot wait to get going!"

Gregor Fisher added, "I am delighted to be working with young McHugh on Only Child for the dear old BBC."

Directed by Al Campbell (Inside No. 9, Code 404) and produced by Ursula Haworth (Inside No. 9, Brassic), Only Child promises to deliver a captivating mix of comedy and heartfelt moments. The series was commissioned by Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy, and Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning at BBC Scotland, with Gregor Sharp and Gavin Smith serving as BBC Commissioning Editors. The show's development received support from Screen Scotland.

Only Child is set to air on BBC One, BBC Scotland, and iPlayer, bringing a delightful new comedy to audiences later this year.