The Irish comedian will write and star in a pilot episode for BBC One based on his Radio 2 show of the same name.
The ‘Anonymous’ star will write and star in a pilot episode for the BBC, due to begin production early next year. Stemming from Byrne’s Radio 2 show of the same name, ‘Father Figure’ sees Byrne play stressed out father Tom, with ‘Father Ted’ and ‘Shameless’ actress Pauline McLynn co-starring, along with Belfast comedian Michael Smiley (Luther) and Cork actor Dermot Crowley (Raw).
In a statement, Byrne revealed the characters are all based on real-life people and “outrageous situations” he has found himself in over time.
Cheryl Taylor, controller of comedy commissioning for the BBC, said: “Jason Byrne is a bright and bouncy performer and already much loved by comedy enthusiasts everywhere. Following a successful run on Radio 2 we're really looking forward to developing the new pilot of ‘Father Figure’ for BBC One.”
Byrne added: "It’s been a big dream of mine and I'd never have thought I would get the chance to join the ranks of the television sitcom world.”
‘Father Figure’ is described as a “post-watershed audience sitcom” by the BBC. It is an in-house BBC production, and will be produced by Julia McKenzie (Father Figure, Radio 2) with Stephen McCrum (Mrs Brown’s Boys) executive producing.
Byrne is best known in Ireland for his RTÉ show ‘Anonymous’, which saw celebrities put on a disguise for a hidden camera prank show. He has received international success with his stand up show ‘The Byrne Identity’, and has enjoyed a successful radio career with slots on Phantom FM, as well as Radio 2.
