Miranda: Series 1 - Preview

Based on the semi-autobiographical writing of comedy actress Miranda Hart (Not Going Out, Hyperdrive, Absolutely Fabulous), new sitcom Miranda is due for transmission in Autumn 2009 on BBC Two.


Where did the show begin?

The show started its life as a TV pilot and then moved onto becoming the critically acclaimed, Sony Award nominated radio series, Miranda Hart's Joke Shop, on BBC Radio 2.

Who's in the cast?

Patricia Hodge will be playing Miranda's mother and is joined by Sarah Hadland (That Mitchell & Webb Look), Sally Phillips (Bridget Jones' Diary, Smack The Pony) and Tom Ellis (EastEnders).

Guest stars include Peter Davison as Miranda's old French teacher, Adrian Scarborough (Gavin And Stacey), Luke Pasquilino (Skins), Alex Macqueen (The Thick Of It) and Katy Wix (Not Going Out).

What's it about?

Miranda is desperate to fit in, but her public school background makes her a bit of a misfit down the pub and she's never quite fitted in with Sloane Ranger childhood rival Tilly (Sally Phillips) or the rest of 'the girls' (not least because she's a foot taller than them all).

Due to years of agoraphobic tendencies she can't quite grasp how to behave socially and constantly fails to avoid embarrassing situations, especially around men.

A constant disappointment to her mother Penny (Patricia Hodge), and lacking any real capacity or interest for business, Miranda employs her childhood friend Stevie (Sarah Hadland) to manage her joke shop.

It doesn't matter what Miranda attempts in life – dating, joining the gym, job interviews or simply dealing with her overbearing mother – she always seems to fall flat, quite literally, and is incapable of leaving a room without knocking something over.