Gold Commissions New UKTV Comedy

Comedy channel Gold has commissioned the new UKTV original comedy Newark, Newark, produced by Balloon Entertainment.

The series is set in a small working-class market town in the East Midlands and follows chip shop manager and matriarch Maxine as she navigates life after divorce and her son coming out. Morgana Robinson (The Windsor) will star as Maxine.

The cast also includes Mathew Horne (Gavin & Stacey), Nina Wadia (The Sandman), Jai Hollis (Ruth & Safiya), Saskia Chana (The Bisexual), Jessie Mae Alonzo (Little Joe), Vahid Gold (Emerald City) and Nathan Foad (Bloods).

The series has begun filming and is set to air in early 2022.

Foad, also creator and writer, said: “Making Newark, Newark is my wildest dream come true. If I could go back in time and tell my teenage self anything, I’d look him straight in his chubby little face and I’d say, ‘Growing up different in this town might not be easy, but one day they’re gonna let you make a TV show about it. Also, learn to breathe through your nose.’ I’d like to thank Balloon Entertainment, UKTV and our phenomenal cast and crew. I think we might be making something a bit special.”

Sarah Asante said: “I’m thrilled to be working with Balloon Entertainment on my first commission for Gold. Nathan has written three incredibly funny scripts and the fact that it’s a semi-autobiographical story adds a wonderful warmth, authenticity and distinctive voice to this family sitcom.”

Gerald Casey added: “We are so excited to add this brilliant new comedy to our slate of UKTV original scripted shows on Gold. The characters in Newark, Newark are so expertly written, and the cast is excellent. I can’t wait to watch!”

Dave Evans comments: “Making Nathan’s first series is a pleasure and a privilege with scripts as extraordinary as our cast. We love this show, we love this town, and we cannot wait to share Maxine and Leslie’s trials and tribulations with the world—and eat a lot of chips.”