Emma Kennedy’s BBC book adaptation begins filming

BBC One has announced the cast for Emma Kennedy‘s six-part family comedy, The Kennedys, which starts filming today.

Set in the 1970s, the series, created and written by actress, writer and TV presenter Emma Kennedy, is loosely based on Emma’s memoirs ‘The Tent, The Bucket and Me.’

The cast stars BAFTA award-winning actress Katherine Parkinson (The Honourable Woman) and Dan Skinner (Shooting Stars), who play Emma’s much-loved parents, Brenda and Tony Kennedy. Lucy Hutchison (The Politician’s Husband) plays a 10-year-old Emma Kennedy – a Star Wars obsessed tom-boy who is happy to tag along with her parents and will also introduce each episode. Harry Peacock (Toast of London) and Emma Pierson (Up The Women) play The Kennedys best friends, unmarried couple, Tim the 70s alpha-male and the young yet traditional Jenny respectively.

The Kennedy family have just moved into a new estate in Stevenage, New Town and arrive to a concrete maze of identical houses. Delighted and enthused at the fact they are now on the cusp of being considered middle class, they quickly embrace community spirit and organise activities for the whole neighbourhood to get involved in. In each episode, The Kennedys pursue every opportunity they can to climb the social ladder from organising an ‘Opportunity Knocks’ style talent show to hosting the estate’s first ever dinner party.

Shola Adewusi and Clive Rowe also feature in the series and play The Kennedys unassuming and often confused neighbours, Dee and David.

Emma Kennedy, creator and writer of The Kennedys said, “I grew up on a council estate when they were places of aspirational wonder. Social housing was simply the greatest start in life a young family could have, and in The Kennedys I hope I have delivered a series that reflects that hope and joy. It’s been a sharp thrill from start to finish.”

Myfanwy Moore, Controller of UK Comedy Production at BBC said, “The series is a joyful and nostalgic reflection on growing up in a time of innocence and double denim. Warm family life is punctuated by anarchic fun and silliness, as portrayed by a wonderfully funny cast.”

The Kennedys will air on BBC One later this year.