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NEW SHOW WILL BE MONTY PYTHON STAR'S MICHAEL’S FIRST COMEDY SINCE HE APPEARED ON STAGED IN 2021 AND THE PROJECT IS SAID TO BE 'BRITISH COMEDY AT ITS FINEST' 16:20, 21 May 2025
Sir Michael Palin is making a sensational return to comedy. The Monty Python legend has signed a big-money deal with the BBC to play a dad in new show Small Prophets. Filming is due to
start within days on location in Manchester. It is Michael’s first comedy since he appeared on Staged in 2021. The plot will centre around a magical spirit that can predict the future. An
insider said: “Michael’s character has a wacky recipe that can create Homunculi that involves rainwater and horse manure. It’s going to be very silly and very funny.” Execs at the BBC are
thrilled they have convinced him to be part of the show. Its Director of Comedy Jon Petrie said: “Viewers are in for a treat. This magical comedy series brims with wit and wonder. It is
British comedy at its finest.” Michael will be joined by a host of TV favourites on the show. Cutting It’s Pearce Quigley will play his son Michael. It will also star Big Boys actor Jon
Pointing and Alma’s Not Normal actress Sophie Willan. Article continues below The six-part series is being masterminded by Mackenzie Crook. He said: “Like all my best ideas, this one has
been percolating for nearly a decade and is finally ready to see the light of day.” Small Prophets was announced at the BBC Comedy Festival in Belfast today. Bosses also revealed a string of
other high profile commissions. That includes the return of hits including Only Child, Funboys, The Young Offenders and Golden Cobra. It was also announced Gavin & Stacey star Rob
Brydon is making a new comedy. The actor will star in Bill’s Included as a middle-aged divorcee who staves off financial ruin by renting his spare rooms to students. A spokesperson said:
“Bill’s Included follows middle-aged divorcee Bill Beam, who staves off financial ruin by renting his spare rooms to students. Article continues below "Warm-hearted and eager but
neurotic and slightly overbearing, Bill is thrilled by the youthful energy his lodgers bring – but baffled by their indifference to his laminated house rules and colour-coded cutlery. He’s
torn between wanting to be part of the gang, sharing banter, keeping up with trends and clinging to his role as responsible adult.” There will also be a new sitcom starring Lenny Rush called
Reluctant Vampire. Beeb boss Jon said: “Great comedy always comes back to the fundamentals: brilliant characters, sharp jokes, a unique voice. Those are the elements that endure – not
massive sets or casts of thousands.”