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The What We Do in the Shadows cast features a whos-who of seasoned comedy veterans, exciting up-and-coming talent, and scene-stealing supporting players as its vampiric characters. Based on the movie of the same name, What We Do in the Shadows is a mockumentary series about the mundane everyday lives of a group of vampires living in New York. The premise of a vampire-infested mockumentary might not have sustained a sketch in the hands of lesser creators, but Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi, and co. have managed to make an acclaimed feature film and an equally acclaimed TV show out of that concept.

By introducing different kinds of vampires and entirely new supernatural species, the TV version of What We Do in the Shadows has expanded the world of the movie. The limited cast of the film has been replaced with a sprawling ensemble, played by both promising up-and-comers and prolific comedians.

Nandor is not having an easy time letting Guillermo go, as seen in What We Do in the Shadows season 6. The former warlord vampire is played by BAFTA winner Kayvan Novak, who first found success in his home country of England with the likes of prank call show Fonejacker, the political black comedy Four Lions and Thunderbirds Are Go. While the FX vampire comedy helped establish him as a household name for American audiences, he has also found international success with Disney's live-action Cruella movie and Fxx's Archer, among others.

What We Do in the Shadows season 6 picks up sometime after the events of the season 5 finale, in which Nandor helped Guillermo return to being human by killing Derek. Unlike prior seasons, the former familiar-turned-vampire has now moved out of the main house and into the garden house, figuring out what is ahead for his life, while Nandor also works...

Studio71 UK, a Red Arrow Studios subsidiary, has hired Joe Varley as director of development.

In his new position, Varley will lead the expansion of Studio71 UK’s development slate, across comedy entertainment, factual and scripted comedy, reporting to Jody Smith, Studio71 UK VP creative director.

Varley joins the team with over a decade of experience. Previously, he has held development executive roles at Fulwell73 and Wonder TV Productions, and head of development at Endemol-owned Zeppotron and Tiger Aspect.

His credits include BAFTA-winning “Fonejacker” (E4/C4) and “Facejacker” (C4) as well as developing BAFTA-winning “Murder in Successville” (BBC Three), “Drunk History UK” (Comedy Central), viral hit “Little Prankers” (BBC Three), and he is the creator of ITV’s “Dinner Date” format. Throughout his career, he has created, developed and produced television programs for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Comedy Central, and has multiple other production credits under his...

Kirsten Howard Jul 27, 2017

Taboo and Peaky Blinders star Tom Hardy is set to lend his voice to a brand new animated show for the BBC...

The BBC are throwing some money into a bunch of new comedy shows for the various channels in their stable, and one of them is an animated series called Sticky.

See related Revisiting the film of Stephen King's It

Voicing the main characters will be Tom Hardy and his real life wife Charlotte Riley - who have also appeared together in Peaky Blinders - along with Javone Prince (PhoneShop) and Kayvan Novak (Four Lions). They'll play four best mates who go to college in the fictional town of Shatford and vow to get to the bottom of why the internet has suddenly disappeared.

Here's a promotional pic from the BBC...

“Although based in reality, the freedom that animation brings allows Sticky to present an unlimited...

Prevenge is the brilliant and off-the-wall writing and directing debut feature by Alice Lowe (Sightseers). She wrote, starred in, and directed it whilst 7-8 months pregnant with her first child, who also appears in the film. Alice was one of the Bifa nominees for ‘best debut director’.

Known for her work as a UK television comedy actress, Alice Lowe made her move into film with her screenwriting debut Sightseers, directed by Ben Wheatley, in which she also starred as the hapless Tina. After premiering at Cannes, Sightseers went on to receive several accolades, Empire’s Best British Film, as well as acting and screenplay awards for Alice.

Official synopsis:

A pitch black, wryly British comedy, Prevenge follows Ruth, a pregnant woman on a killing spree that’s as funny as it is vicious. It’s her misanthropic unborn baby dictating Ruth’s actions, holding society responsible for the absence of a father.

Facejacker star Kayvan Novak has spoken about the television industry, saying that there are limited opportunities for actors from ethnic backgrounds.

The actor, who stars in forthcoming BBC sitcom Suntrap, said that he feels he can't be cast in period dramas because of his ethnicity.

"As an ethnic actor I still feel I can't be in Downton Abbey or in period dramas," he told Radio Times.

"The opportunities for me as an actor are narrow, but I'm lucky enough to have people like [SunTrap writers] Neil Webster and Ben Palmer creating roles for me that have nothing to do with where I'm from."

Kayvan added that British actors from ethnic backgrounds often find success in the Us, saying: "Look at The Wire, for example – one of the most amazing shows out of America, and the two leads are English."

Speaking about life after Fonejacker, Novak said: "I'm so glad I didn't give...

Kayvan Novak believes opportunities for ''ethnic actors'' are ''narrow''. The 'Fonejacker' star has confessed that while he's experienced huge success with some of his parts in films and TV shows, he thinks there are only a limited number of roles that he'd be considered for. He said: ''As an ethnic actor I still feel I can't be in 'Downton Abbey' or in period dramas. The opportunities for me as an actor are narrow, but I'm lucky enough to have people like [writers] Neil [Webster] and Ben [Palmer] creating roles for me that have nothing to do with where I'm from.'' The 36-year-old star...

Jeremy Paxman and David Mitchell are to lead Channel 4's coverage of the general election.

Former Newsnight host Paxman will host a night of comedy and entertainment with Peep Show's Mitchell for Channel 4's Alternative Election Night on May 7.

Paxman, who recently interviewed David Cameron and Ed Miliband in a joint Channel 4 and Sky News programme, said: "Elections matter, but that doesn't mean the coverage has to be dull. I hope there'll be room for both insight and laughter."

Mitchell previously co-hosted Channel 4's election coverage in 2010, which also featured Jimmy Carr, Charlie Brooker and Lauren Laverne.

Cathy Newman and Gary Gibbon from Channel 4 News will join the hosts, along with guests including Last Leg presenter Adam Hills, Pointless host Richard Osman "providing his interpretation of events", and Fonejacker star Kayvan Novak.

The Channel 4 News team "will be on the ground in key electoral battlegrounds,...

The new voice cast of ITV's Thunderbirds Are Go!, starting on Saturday the 4th of April, tell us about the updated version of the show...

Returning to the small screen, just in time for its 50th anniversary, is the much-loved television series, Thunderbirds. Under the moniker of Thunderbirds Are Go!, the puppets have been replaced by computer-generated realisations of the original characters but the model and standing sets remain - courtesy of Weta in New Zealand (The Lord Of The Rings).

Den of Geek sat down with the voice cast who were all very enthusiastic and excited to see their work finally hit screens across the world. Taking part in the interviews were: Thomas Brodie-Sangster (Game Of Thrones) who plays John Tracy; Rasmus Hardiker (Lead Balloon, Black Mirror), Alan and Scott Tracy; David Menkin, Virgil and Gordon Tracy; Sandra Dickinson (The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy), Grandma Tracy; Angel Coulby...

Following the brief teaser trailer released in December, and a set of videos introducing the main characters last month, the first full trailer for the upcoming animated series Thunderbirds Are Go! has been released before the series debut this spring on ITV. When disaster strikes and there's no one else to help, International Rescue answers the call! From their secret island base, this family of highly trained responders can reach every corner of the globe - and beyond - in minutes. With their remarkable cutting edge Thunderbird Vehicles, brothers Scott, Virgil, John, Gordon and Alan Tracy along with head of security Kayo and lead engineer Brains pull off amazing feats of heroism. No rescue is too big and no journey too far to save a life. When duty calls, Thunderbirds are go!

Fifty years after its television debut the iconic series is back in production featuring a talented cast led...

Fifty years after its television debut the iconic series is back in production featuring a talented cast led by Rosamund Pike (The World’s End, Gone Girl) as Lady Penelope and David Graham (Thunderbirds 1965) reprising his role as chauffeur and International Rescue agent Parker. Debuting on ITV in 2015 this re-invention of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson’s much-loved series will be produced using an innovative mix of CGI animation and live-action miniature sets. Unstoppable inventor Brains will be voiced by Kayvan Novak (Fonejacker, Facejacker) whilst Tracy brothers Gordon and John are both played by Thomas Brodie-Sangster (Love Actually, Game of Thrones). Rasmus Hardiker (Saxondale, Lead Balloon) has been cast as both the youngest and oldest Tracy brothers Alan and Scott. The fifth Tracy brother, Virgil, will be played by David Menkin. Tracy Island matriarch Grandma Tracy is voiced by Sandra Dickinson (Amazing World of Gumball, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the...

The cast of BBC Three's forthcoming comedy Top Coppers has been announced.

The show, which recently began filming, stars Fonejacker's Kayvan Novak and newcomers John Kearns and Steen Raskopoulos.

Kearns won the Best Comedy Show award at Foster's Edinburgh Comedy Awards 2014, and Raskopoulos was also nominated for Best Newcomer.

The pair will star as detectives in the Justice City Police Department in the spoof comedy series.

Simon Farnaby, Lydia Rose Bewley, Paul Ritter, James Fleet and Danny John-Jules will also appear in the show.

Top Coppers is created by Cein McGillicuddy and Andy Kinnear and directed by Cein McGillicuddy.

BBC Commissioning Editor for Comedy Chris Sussman said: "I couldn't be more excited about Top Coppers.

"John Kearns and Steen Raskopoulos are two of the most exciting young comedians around, and the scripts are some of the funniest I've read in ages. It's fast-paced and brilliantly silly, and I don't...

Last month, a new photo debuted from ITV's upcoming animated series Thunderbirds Are Go!, which revealed the Tracey Brothers. Today, we have six character videos and yet another new photo which gives us our first look at the new female team member Kayo along with her team. We also have another image which gives us some background information on Kayo, a covert ops specialist and kung fu expert. In addition, we also have a teaser that showcases the world of Thunderbirds Are Go!

Fifty years after its television debut the iconic series is back in production featuring a talented cast led by Rosamund Pike (The World's End, Gone Girl) as Lady Penelope and David Graham (Thunderbirds 1965) reprising his role as chauffeur and International Rescue agent Parker. Debuting on ITV in 2015 this re-invention of Gerry Anderson and Sylvia Anderson's much-loved series will be produced using an innovative mix of CGI animation and live-action miniature sets.

Fifty years after its television debut the iconic series is back in production featuring a talented cast led by Rosamund Pike (The World’s End, Gone Girl) as Lady Penelope and David Graham (Thunderbirds 1965) reprising his role as chauffeur and International Rescue agent Parker. Debuting on ITV in 2015 this re-invention of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson’s much-loved series will be produced using an innovative mix of CGI animation and live-action miniature sets. Unstoppable inventor Brains will be voiced by Kayvan Novak (Fonejacker, Facejacker) whilst Tracy brothers Gordon and John are both played by Thomas Brodie-Sangster (Love Actually, Game of Thrones). Rasmus Hardiker (Saxondale, Lead Balloon) has been cast as both the youngest and oldest Tracy brothers Alan and Scott. The fifth Tracy brother, Virgil, will be played by David Menkin. Tracy Island matriarch Grandma Tracy is voiced by Sandra Dickinson (Amazing World of Gumball, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the...

Kayvan Novak has spoken out in support of original comedy and drama on BBC Four.

Novak's new series Asylum - which follows a whistleblower trapped in a London embassy - airs tonight on the channel.

Bradley Walsh, Kayvan Novak for new BBC One comedy Woody

"BBC Four have commissioned this, and if BBC Four weren't around, there might not have been room for BBC Two to put it out," the actor and comedian told Digital Spy.

"So absolutely it's good for us, it's good for programme makers. The more channels putting money into quality programming the better.

"The debate now is how people are finding these shows. Are they finding them on their laptops, sat in bed? Or are they going to the telly box and pressing channel 812? That's an unknown entity still and I think broadcasters are going a bit crazy about it."

Asylum sees Ben Miller's whistleblower...

Thunderbirds

The Tracy brothers are set for a spectacular return to ITV in the much anticipated Thunderbirds Are Go. Based on Gerry Anderson’s marionette masterpiece, the new series uses a combination of models and CGI. Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl) voices Lady Penelope while veteran actor David Graham (Doctor Who) resumes his role as the every faithful Parker. Other star voices will include Kayvan Novak (Fonejacker, Facejacker) as inventor Brains and Thomas Brodie-Sangster (Game of Thrones, Love Actually) voicing John Tracy. The new series will debut around the world this Spring.

N Conrad

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The first image of the brand new Tracy brothers from the upcoming Thunderbirds reboot was released earlier today (January 15).

As it turned out, the reaction was less than Fab, with many fans of the original series sharing their views on Twitter. Boyband comparisons and terrifying death stares are among the most noted complaints so far.

Here are just a few reactions from Gerry Anderson fans old and new:

It's called Thunderbirds, not Thunderblokes

— Alec Meer HD (@bonzrat) January 15, 2015

So, the new #Thunderbirds are basically One Direction as Power Rangers? http://t.co/z9MjEBqfFe pic.twitter.com/ihIxvXBbqX

— Christopher Allen (@chris_allen) January 15, 2015

And I thought that Busted song was the biggest insult to Thunderbirds. These new Tracy Brothers make me want to vomit.

— Daniel Sperling (@dan_sperling) January 15, 2015

As creepy as they are, the new CGI Thunderbirds somehow look even more human than most of the Tory frontbench. pic.

Thunderbirds Are Go has released the first picture of the new-look Tracy brothers.

Brothers Scott, Virgil, Alan, Gordon and John are pictured in front of Tracy Island in the new promotional image for the reboot, which will air on Citv in 2015.

The Tracy brothers will be voiced by David Menkin (Virgil and Gordon), Rasmus Hardiker (Alan and Scott) and Thomas Brodie-Sangster (John).

Gone Girlstar and Oscar nominee Rosamund Pike is playing Lady Penelope in the new series, with her employee Parker being voiced by original actor David Graham. Brains will be voiced by Fonejacker's Kayvan Novak.

The long-running children's show is returning to screens to mark its 50th anniversary.

The reboot has been produced using a mix of CGI animation and live-action model sets.

ITV has already commissioned a second series of Thunderbirds Are Go, which will air across 2016 and 2017.

Watch a teaser trailer for Thunderbirds Are Go below:...

Fifty years after its television debut the iconic series is back in production featuring a talented cast led by Rosamund Pike (The World’s End, Gone Girl) as Lady Penelope and David Graham (Thunderbirds 1965) reprising his role as chauffeur and International Rescue agent Parker. Debuting on ITV in 2015 this re-invention of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson’s much-loved series will be produced using an innovative mix of CGI animation and live-action miniature sets. Unstoppable inventor Brains will be voiced by Kayvan Novak (Fonejacker, Facejacker) whilst Tracy brothers Gordon and John are both played by Thomas Brodie-Sangster (Love Actually, Game of Thrones). Rasmus Hardiker (Saxondale, Lead Balloon) has been cast as both the youngest and oldest Tracy brothers Alan and Scott. The fifth Tracy brother, Virgil, will be played by David Menkin. Tracy Island matriarch Grandma Tracy is voiced by Sandra Dickinson (Amazing World of Gumball, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the...

ITV has released a brief teaser trailer for their upcoming live action/CGI hybrid series Thunderbirds Are Go! There's no footage of the characters in the teaser, just a distress call and a glimpse at the redesigned Thunderbird 5. It also points fans to the official Thunderbirds.com website, where you can learn more about the upcoming reboot of the 1965 series.

The special effects in the series were done by Peter Jackson's Weta Workshop. I haven't seen the original series in years, but it was fun to watch. I know there's not much to see in this teaser, but I think this could be a great reboot if it's done right. I'm looking forward to seeing more. Below you'll find some additional details about the upcoming series.

Fifty years after its television debut the iconic series is back in production featuring a talented cast led by Rosamund Pike (The World’s End,...

Fifty years after its television debut the iconic series is back in production featuring a talented cast led by Rosamund Pike (The World’s End, Gone Girl) as Lady Penelope and David Graham (Thunderbirds 1965) reprising his role as chauffeur and International Rescue agent Parker. Debuting on ITV in 2015 this re-invention of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson’s much-loved series will be produced using an innovative mix of CGI animation and live-action miniature sets. Unstoppable inventor Brains will be voiced by Kayvan Novak (Fonejacker, Facejacker) whilst Tracy brothers Gordon and John are both played by Thomas Brodie-Sangster (Love Actually, Game of Thrones). Rasmus Hardiker (Saxondale, Lead Balloon) has been cast as both the youngest and oldest Tracy brothers Alan and Scott. The fifth Tracy brother, Virgil, will be played by David Menkin. Tracy Island matriarch Grandma Tracy is voiced by Sandra Dickinson (Amazing World of Gumball, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the...

Thunderbirds Are Go has been renewed for a second series.

ITV has ordered a 26-episode second series of the reboot for Citv, which will air across 2016 and 2017.

The first series of Thunderbirds Are Go is set to debut in 2015 to mark the 50th anniversary of the classic show.

Jamila Metran, Head of Programming for Citv, said: "I am delighted to confirm that a second series of Thunderbirds Are Go has been commissioned for Citv.

"We are so excited for the launch of our reboot of the iconic children's show and look forward to bringing the adventures of the five Tracy brothers to our audiences in 2015."

Gone Girl's Rosamund Pike is playing Lady Penelope in the new series, with her employee Parker being voiced by original actor David Graham.

The cast also includes Fonejacker's Kayvan Novak (Brains), David Menkin (Virgil and Gordon Tracy), Rasmus Hardiker (Alan and Scott Tracy...

I'm not what you'd call a Thunderbirds expert, so I can't identify these gentleman from the pic below, but I'm sure some of you will be able to distinguish each member of the International Rescue Crew. The image was created to promote the new show’s presence at the 16th Ble Expo in London next week, so expect some more reveals then. Fifty years after its television debut the iconic series is back in production featuring a talented cast led by Rosamund Pike (The World’s End, Gone Girl) as Lady Penelope and David Graham (Thunderbirds 1965) reprising his role as chauffeur and International Rescue agent Parker. Debuting on ITV in 2015 this re-invention of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson’s much-loved series will be produced using an innovative mix of CGI animation and live-action miniature sets. Unstoppable inventor Brains will be voiced by Kayvan Novak (Fonejacker, Facejacker) whilst Tracy brothers Gordon and...

Thunderbirds Are Go has released the first image of the brand new Tracy Island.

The picture from the new TV series reboot was revealed during the Thunderbirds panel at San Diego's Comic-Con, which celebrated the show's 50th anniversary taking place in 2015.

Tracy Island, the home and secret base of the Tracy family, is known for features such as its retractable swimming pool and hidden spacecraft hangars. It is also characterised by its location in the sparkling waters of an unknown exotic paradise.

The executive producer of the new series, Giles Ridge, said: "It's great to have the chance to give fans a sneak peek at the home of Thunderbirds. Tracy Island was a much loved feature of the original show, so it felt right that we showcase our new-look location with the show's followers."

Thunderbirds Are Go is being produced using a mix of CGI animation and live-action model sets.

BBC Three will debut nine comedy pilots on iPlayer as part of this year's Comedy Feeds.

Ashley Walters (Top Boy) and Kayvan Novak (Fonejacker) are among the actors involved in the project, which will launch exclusively through the on-demand service in July.

The Comedy Feeds are now in their third year following two successful runs, which saw BBC Three commission full series of People Just Do Nothing, Nick Helm's Heavy Entertainment and Impractical Jokers.

Among the nine pilots is In Deep, which follows two junior police officers on an undercover operation that goes wrong. Walters stars alongside Adam Deacon (Kidulthood) in the comedy, which has been written by Tom Joseph and Thomas Eccleshare.

Meanwhile, Novak has written and stars in Parents' Evening, a multi-character comedy set over the course of one evening in a school.

Shane Allen, Controller of BBC Comedy, said: "This exciting range of shows and new...

Remember the British TV series from the 1960s, Thunderbirds? The puppet, action, sci-fi epic series holds a special place in the heart of a certain generation and now the folks from ITV Studios are hoping for it to catch on with an all-new audience. The series is going to be relaunched in 2015, with the name Thunderbirds Are Go, and they've tapped Weta to handle the effects for the update- which will use a combination of miniature sets and CG characters. The original was filmed using a technique that creator Gerry Anderson called Super Mario Nation (I like that!)...oh wait, I'm sorry. That's Supermarionation.

While no official images have been released of the characters, sets, or the new visual aesthetic, this invitation from ITV does give the world it's first look:

Fifty years after its television debut the iconic series is back in production featuring a talented cast led by...

Fifty years after its television debut the iconic series is back in production featuring a talented cast led by Rosamund Pike (The World’s End, Gone Girl) as Lady Penelope and David Graham (Thunderbirds 1965) reprising his role as chauffeur and International Rescue agent Parker. Debuting on ITV in 2015 this re-invention of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson’s much-loved series will be produced using an innovative mix of CGI animation and live-action miniature sets. Unstoppable inventor Brains will be voiced by Kayvan Novak (Fonejacker, Facejacker) whilst Tracy brothers Gordon and John are both played by Thomas Brodie-Sangster (Love Actually, Game of Thrones). Rasmus Hardiker (Saxondale, Lead Balloon) has been cast as both the youngest and oldest Tracy brothers Alan and Scott. The fifth Tracy brother, Virgil, will be played by David Menkin. Tracy Island matriarch Grandma Tracy is voiced by Sandra Dickinson (Amazing World of Gumball, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the...

To mark the release of Cuban Fury on 9th June, we’ve been given 5 of the following to give away; DVDs, Sound Track CDs, T shirts and Flashdance poster bundles.

Cuban Fury stars Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, Paul), Rashida Jones (The Social Network, I Love You, Man), Chris O’Dowd (Bridesmaids, The Boat that Rocked), Olivia Colman (Hot Fuzz, “Broadchurch”), Ian McShane (Snow White and the Huntsman, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Sexy Beast) and Kayvan Novak (Four Lions, “Fonejacker”).

1987: Poised to sweep the floor at the UK Junior Salsa Championships, 13-year-old Bruce Garrett has fire in his heels and the world at his feet… Until a freakish bullying incident robs him of his confidence and his life is diverted down a very different path. So it is that 22 years later, having locked away his boyhood dreams, Bruce finds himself out-of-shape, unloved and...

Stars: Nick Frost, Rashida Jones, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Chris O’Dowd, Ian McShane, Olivia Colman, Alexandra Roach, Rory Kinnear, Kayvan Novak | Written by Jon Brown | Directed by James Griffiths

Tubby funster Nick Frost steps out as the lead in salsa-based rom-com Cuban Fury. Frost plays Bruce, a former teenage salsa dancing extraordinaire who dons his Cuban heels once more in order to woo his new boss Julie, played by the lovely Rashida Jones. Standing in Bruce’s way are unpleasant colleague Drew, a none-more sleazy Chris O’Dowd and his own paralysing neurosis and shattered confidence.

Despite coming from a very televisual background – its director, James Griffiths, is best known (insomuch as he is known at all) for his work on Episodes and its writer and most of its stars made their names in TV – Cuban Fury stands up as one of the better examples of a British rom-com in recent years.

Bradley Walsh and Kayvan Novak are to star in a new BBC One sitcom.

Woody will be a six-part half-hour comedy, created by Neil Webster and Charlie Skelton.

It will be set on a fictional Spanish island, where Woody (Novak) is one of the UK's best undercover reporters.

However, he is forced to go on the run from British police after being set up by his editor, and locates his former mentor Brutus (Walsh).

Brutus is now living a simple life running a bar on the island, and soon realises he can make some money by finding work for his old friend.

Charlotte Moore, Controller of BBC One, said: "It's great to be bringing Kayvan Novak and Bradley Walsh, two fantastic British talents, together on BBC One in a brilliantly original and sunny sitcom."

Novak said of the series: "Woody is the part I have dreamed of playing since I was a kid.

Stars: Nick Frost, Rashida Jones, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Chris O’Dowd, Ian McShane, Olivia Colman, Alexandra Roach, Rory Kinnear, Kayvan Novak | Written by Jon Brown | Directed by James Griffiths

Tubby funster Nick Frost steps out as the lead in salsa-based rom-com Cuban Fury. Frost plays Bruce, a former teenage salsa dancing extraordinaire who dons his Cuban heels once more in order to woo his new boss Julie, played by the lovely Rashida Jones. Standing in Bruce’s way are unpleasant colleague Drew, a none-more sleazy Chris O’Dowd and his own paralysing neurosis and shattered confidence.

Despite coming from a very televisual background – its director, James Griffiths, is best known (insomuch as he is known at all) for his work on Episodes and its writer and most of its stars made their names in TV – Cuban Fury stands up as one of the better examples of a British rom-com in recent years.

Director: James Griffiths; Screenwriter: Jon Brown; Starring: Nick Frost, Rashida Jones, Chris O'Dowd, Olivia Colman, Ian McShane; Running time: 98 mins; Certificate: 15

As the old saying goes, appearances can be deceiving. That's never been more appropriate than in the case of Cuban Fury, a homegrown romantic comedy that casts Nick Frost as a former salsa prodigy who's fallen on hard times. It may sound dubious on paper - particularly when you learn that it began life as an email pitch a tipsy Frost fired off to producer Nira Park in the dead of night. But once the drunken haze cleared, Frost teamed with screenwriter Jon Brown and director James Griffiths to produce a film that's full of pleasant surprises. This could be as funny a film as you'll see all year.

In it, Frost's Bruce Garrett trudges aimlessly through a 9-to-5 routine, occasionally sinking pints with best friend Gary (Rory Kinnear...

Tim Minchin is to star in an upcoming BBC sitcom titled 88 Keys.

The comic musician will lead the cast of his first sitcom as a brash cocktail pianist in a pilot written by Fresh Meat's Jon Brown.

Fonejacker star Kayvan Novak will appear alongside Minchin in the pilot as a barman.

88 Keys will centre around Charlie (Minchin), who has big dreams of success alongside his colleague Amy at the Carlton Arms Hotel.

The pair are described as "monstrous rampaging ego-morons" whose connection causes "unseen complications".

The show will have a non-broadcast pilot produced by Big Talk (Him & Her, Spaced).

Big Talk's Kenton Allen stated that the show is like the "son of Black Books" as it reunites director Martin Dennis with co-chief executive Nira Park, who previously produced the Channel 4 sitcom.

"Tim Minchin is without doubt one of the most multi-talented performers in the world and we are...

This week sees the release of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, the highly-anticipated sequel to last year’s blockbuster. But in the meantime, this week’s new Trailer Trashin’ column takes a look at the upcoming British comedy Cuban Fury.

Premise: A lonely sad-sack named Bruce Garrett (Nick Frost) has a crush on his gorgeous new boss Julia (Rashida Jones), and the only way he can win her over is by mastering the art of dance. Good thing he used to be a child prodigy at salsa dancing – now all Bruce needs to do is rediscover his inner passion.

My take: Several times in the history of this column, I’ve featured a movie that I hadn’t even heard of before seeing the trailer in question. Such is the case with this week’s subject, the upcoming British romantic comedy Cuban Fury, which stars Nick Frost, best known from...

News Louisa Mellor 1 Oct 2013 - 07:40

Gerry Anderson's Thunderbirds is returning to television in 2015, and here's who's voicing the characters...

Earlier this year came news that Gerry Anderson's Thunderbirds is returning to ITV with Thunderbirds Are Go!, which prompted us to scribble a wish-list of what we'd like to see in the new series. A role for Grandma Tracy (tick!) and the return of the original series' Parker (sort of tick! Close enough anyway) were two such items.

Here are the actors announced as voicing Anderson's well-loved characters in this modern update...

David Graham as Parker

Bringing continuity from the original series to the new is David Graham, the voice of Brains, Gordon Tracy and more in the sixties Thunderbirds. Graham is to bring Lady Penelope's chauffeur Parker to life in this iteration of the series.

Rosamund Pike as Lady Penelope

There's no prerequisite for voice actors to...

Announced back in February , the cast for the new "Thunderbirds" TV series Thunderbirds Are Go! has officially been revealed and includes some of the original cast members. Read the full press release below to get all the details. Fifty years after its television debut the iconic series is back in production featuring a talented cast led by Rosamund Pike (The World.s End, Gone Girl) as Lady Penelope and David Graham (Thunderbirds 1965) reprising his role as chauffeur and International Rescue agent Parker. Debuting on ITV in 2015 this re-invention of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson's much-loved series will be produced using an innovative mix of CGI animation and live-action miniature sets. Unstoppable inventor Brains will be voiced by Kayvan Novak (Fonejacker,...

ITV's new series brings in Rosamund Pike as voice of Lady Penelope, with David Graham returning as chauffeur Parker

Rosamund Pike will provide the voice of Lady Penelope in the new ITV version of Thunderbirds in a cast that also includes Fonejacker's Kayvan Novak.

However, some things remain the same: David Graham, who provided the distinctive nasal tones of Lady Penelope's chauffeur, Parker, in the original 1960s children's series, is to reprise the role.

Pike, the actor best known for her role as a double agent opposite Pierce Brosnan in James Bond film Die Another Die, said she was "very excited to bring Lady Penelope's wry wit and taste for adventure to a new generation".

The new series, which will be called Thunderbirds are Go!, also sees the return of Graham as the voice of Parker. Graham voiced Parker, along with three other puppet characters, in the original series...

Stars of the small screen reveal their TV secrets

The entertainers: Ant and Dec

This feels like real life," says Declan Donnelly, settling back into the sofa next to Anthony McPartlin. "We've done this before." You would have thought that after all those hours on telly performing – often live – for millions, Ant and Dec would want to do anything but watch it when they got home. "It's my number-one way to relax," says Dec. "We watch everything and anything and we constantly text each other to check what we're watching." Dec's last text to Ant was about the best ham sandwich in the world, as featured on Countrywise Kitchen. Ant's alerted Dec to the Hairy Bikers' pork terrine. Both food related, "but we text through sport, documentaries and dramas, too," says Dec. As hosts of Britain's Got Talent, the pair have been baffled by the competition revved...

Stars of the small screen reveal their TV secrets

The entertainers: Ant and Dec

This feels like real life," says Declan Donnelly, settling back into the sofa next to Anthony McPartlin. "We've done this before." You would have thought that after all those hours on telly performing – often live – for millions, Ant and Dec would want to do anything but watch it when they got home. "It's my number-one way to relax," says Dec. "We watch everything and anything and we constantly text each other to check what we're watching." Dec's last text to Ant was about the best ham sandwich in the world, as featured on Countrywise Kitchen. Ant's alerted Dec to the Hairy Bikers' pork terrine. Both food related, "but we text through sport, documentaries and dramas, too," says Dec. As hosts of Britain's Got Talent, the pair have been baffled by the competition revved...

Following on from the huge success of Facejacker Series 1, rising star Kayvan Novak returns to showcase his hilarious and diverse array of characters, voices and sublime comic improvisational skills with Facejacker Series 2, out to own on DVD from 7th May 2012.

Disguised with the aid of prosthetics, Novak morphs himself back into his popular comical creations. These include, charismatic car salesman, Terry Tibbs – a wheeler dealer with the gift of the gab, Ugandan scamster, Augustus Kwembe – who attempts to elicit people’s bank account details with a series of schemes including masquerading as a river patrol officer and a ‘Boris Bike’ inspector! Then there’s super irritating complaint monger, Durfrais and charlatan art critic Brian Badonde, along with several brand new characters! All are thrust into real-life situations where they baffle and confuse members of the public with side-splitting outcomes!

As well as pranking Great Britain, Novak travels across the pond to the Us,...

Sirens starts on UK TV this week, and the last episode of Caprica turns up, too. Plus, there's a whole lot of movies to enjoy...

Movies will be doing the heavy lifting throughout the upcoming week, as we spy very little on the telly horizon in the lull before the launch of most new and returning shows.

The lone newcomer, Sirens, has a lot of potential in its cast and subject. Unless you've seen the shockingly funny Four Lions, you may know the voice better than the face of Kayvan Novak, recognisable to ears of fans of Fonejacker. And followers of Game Of Thrones will be instantly familiar with Richard Madden, who plays Robb Stark in that series.

The third in the trio of buddy paramedics is Rhys Thomas (Bellamy's People) and the series, a comedy-drama, premieres Monday, June 27th at 10:00pm on Channel 4, with opening episode, Up,...

Iron Man 2 may still be sitting pretty atop the chart, but the real winner is Chris Morris's jihadist comedy, which enjoyed the highest site average of all the new releases

The winner

A comedy about British-born suicide bombers starring Riz Ahmed and Fonejacker prankster Kayvan Novak is by no means a sure thing at the UK box office. Hence, executives at Four Lions' backers Optimum posted messages of excitement and relief on Facebook over the weekend as the impressive numbers came rolling in: £609,000 from just 115 screens.

The site average of £5,292 was the highest of all the new releases, and double most of them. The result also compares favourably with the most obvious reference point: In the Loop (debut of £469,000 from 104 screens), released by Optimum in April 2009. The films share two writers – Jesse Armstrong and Simon Blackwell – and boast directors with reputations for edgy TV. But whereas Armando Iannucci...

Kayvan Novak is reportedly working on a pilot comedy show which will see him interact with members of the public in a variety of guises. The Fonejacker star will adopt a number of characters for the Hat Trick Productions show, including an African toilet attendant, a washed-up Iranian singer who drives a minicab, and an eccentric art gallery guide. Having donned (more)...