Cast announced as filming begins on Christmas film

Comedian Harry Hill is reprising his role as Professor Branestawm alongside new cast additions, including Steve Pemberton and Dame Diana Rigg, in an hour-long Christmas special, The Further Adventures of Professor Branestawm.

The BBC One film, written by Charlie Higson, is set in the quintessential English village of Great Pagwell, and sees Branestawm face money troubles when his bills are literally out of control. In order to try and pay off his debts, Connie suggests he enter the town’s best inventing competition to win a cash prize of £1,854 and a thruppeny bit – enough money to pay off his tax bill. But can he out invent the self-professed greatest inventor in the world, Professor Algebrain?

Other cast members returning are Vicki Pepperdine (Getting On) as Mrs Flittersnoop, Madeline Holliday (Hank Zipzer) as Connie, Simon Day (The Life Of Rock With Brian Pern) as Colonel Dedshott, Charlie Higson (The Fast Show) as the Mayor, David Mitchell (Peep Show) as councilor Harold Haggerstone, Sophie Thompson (Jericho) as Connie’s mum Aggie, and Adrian Scarborough (Gavin and Stacey).

Joining the all-star cast is, Steve Pemberton (Inside No 9) as Professor Algebrain, Dame Diana Rigg (Game Of Thrones) as Lady Pagwell and Bob Mortimer (House Of Fools) as Professor Awfulshirt.

Harry Hill says: “I’m thrilled to be back playing the original nutty professor, and this time he’s even nuttier than last time.”

Writer Charlie Higson says: “It’s very exciting to be making another Branestawn film. It’s great to get the cast back together and have fun in this crazy world.”

The Further Adventures of Professor Branestawm begins filming this week (Oct), and is produced by BBC In-house comedy. The executive producer is Ben Farrell (Toast Of London, Reggie Perrin), Sandy Johnson (Cradle to Grave, Harry & Paul) will direct.