Following the success of Brendan O'Carroll's Mrs Brown's Boys, the BBC have again turned to an Irish comedian in search of its next big hit. Dublin comedian Jason Byrne is filming a prime-time sitcom which will be screened in a prestigious pre-9pm slot on BBC1 in September.
Father Figure will star Byrne (41) as a stay-at-home father of two boys and has a mainly Irish cast, with actress Pauline McLynn playing his mother. "The show is an eclectic mix of characters who are all based on my friends and family, and many of the things that happen are drawn from my experiences," said Byrne. "No matter what he turns his hand to, his mam, dad, best friend, wife and neighbours all end up sticking their oars in – with no help to me whatsoever."
The BBC has long been chasing Byrne, who is the biggest-selling comedy act in the history of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, to front a show.
Mark Freeland, the controller of BBC Comedy Production, said: "We have a wonderful cast and production team, and the unique and irrepressible talents of Jason. It's great that we have the chance to show this on BBC One."
