Cast and filming announced for BBC One comedy Father Figure.

Filming has begun on the BBC One TV adaptation of, Father Figure, written and starring popular stand-up comedian Jason Byrne (Live At The Apollo, Edinburgh Comedy Fest Live).

Adapted from the BBC Radio 2 series of the same name, Father Figure is a new 6×30-minute audience sitcom set in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, and is currently filming at Elstree Film and Television studios.

Starring alongside Jason will be Pauline McLynn (Jam & Jerusalem, Shameless, Father Ted), Karen Taylor (Touch Me, I’m Karen Taylor) Michael Smiley (Luther, Utopia), Dermot Crowley (Bleak House) and more comic talents such as Tim Downie, David Reed, Margaret Cabourn-Smith and Peter Serafinowicz.

Jason Byrne plays Tom Whyte, the best and worst dad you could have. He approaches his duties as a father with a huge dose of energy and enthusiasm, but his schemes and plans often descend into chaos and confusion.

Jason says: “So the camera rolls on my new sitcom for BBC One, Father Figure. I play the Father Figure in the title, Tom. The show is an eclectic mix of characters who are all based on my friends and family, and many of the things that happen to the Whyte family are drawn from my own experiences. Tom’s wife works full time and he is a stay-at-home dad with two boys to look after. However, no matter what he turns his hand to, his mam, dad, best friend, wife and neighbours all end up sticking their oar in, with no help to Tom whatsoever. One thing’s for sure, Father Figure will have something for everyone, everywhere, somehow.”

Controller of Comedy Production, Mark Freeland says: “When we first read Jason’s scripts, we were struck by their warmth and authenticity. 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.”

The series is Executive Produced by Stephen McCrum (Mrs Brown’s Boys, Bluestone 42) and produced by Julia McKenzie (Father Figure, BBC Radio 2) for BBC In-House Comedy. It is directed by Nick Wood (Not Going Out, House Of Fools).

Studio scenes of Father Figure will begin filming on the 6 June in front of a live audience. To apply for free tickets, visit bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/tickets/ and continues until 11 July.