Sam Spiro co-stars in a new sitcom Semi-Detached, written by David Crow and Oliver Maltman. Each episode plays out in real time and is exactly like 24, except instead of following a government agent as he saves the planet, the series follows a perennial loser called Stuart (Lee Mack) as his life goes down the pan in a suburban cul-de-sac.
Spiro plays Stuart's ex-wife Kate, who lives across the cul-de-sac with their teenage daughter Madonna (Sarah Hoare - Chewing Gum, Black Mirror) and Kate’s husband Ted (Patrick Baladi - The Office, Stella) who thinks he’s better than Stuart because he sells fish to sushi restaurants. Ellie White (Stath Lets Flats, The Other One) plays April, who has just had a baby and is the young partner of Stuart. Stuart also has to look out for his jailbird brother Charlie (Neil Fitzmaurice - Peep Show, Mount Pleasant) and his promiscuous, drug-taking Dad Willie (Clive Russell - Happiness, Game Of Thrones).
Semi-Detached, Thursdays from August 6, 10.05pm, BBC Two.
Read an interview with co-star Lee Mack here.
What can you tell us about Semi-Detached?
Each episode is in real time following Lee’s character - Stuart - on a farcical nightmare around the cul-de-sac where we all live.
What appealed to you about the series?
I loved the writing by Oliver Maltman and David Crow. I snorted embarrassingly loudly on the tube when I read the pilot episode. It was also the idea of it being in real time, the energy that comes from that is compelling.
How would you describe your character?
Kate is Stuart’s first wife. We first meet her when she is canvassing to be a Tory MP. She doesn’t suffer fools, but weirdly married two of them.
Do you have any highlights from filming?
One of many highlights that comes to mind was when Stuart and Kate were stuck in a toilet on a ferry when Stuart’s IBS was playing up.
What can viewers expect from the show?
Lee Mack probably giving his funniest performances ever and the rest of us trying not to laugh.
How would you describe Stuart and Kate’s current relationship/situation?
Well, it shifts and grows throughout the series. Stuart drives Kate mad because he is a total loser and screws everything up. Somehow though, she still kind of loves him. Maybe she feels sorry for him? Maybe she is slightly jealous of April (who is quite a bit younger)?
Can you describe the show in three words?
Silly, frantic rollercoaster.
Interview supplied by BBC
