‘Grantchester’ and ‘Mr Selfridge’ stars join new BBC drama about TV fame
Tom Brittney is back on TV soon in a new role while on a break from Grantchester.
The star of Grantchester will lead the cast of BBC Three’s one-off drama Make Me Famous.
Written by TV presenter Reggie Yates, the 60-minute TV movie explores the impact and consequences of fast fame on reality TV contestants and their close friends and family.
He’ll be joined by Amanda Abbington (Mr Selfridge), Nina Sosanya (Last Tango in Halifax), and Aiysha Hart (Atlantis).
Tom Brittney, who plays Reverend Will Davenport in Grantchester, commented: “Every now and then you get sent a script through that really stands out and this was one of them.”
The 29-year-old English actor explained: “When I saw the storyline and synopsis I knew it was a story that needed to be told. I hope Billy’s story will give audiences more compassion towards the people they see on screen.”
Sherlock star Amanda Abbington added: “With such a brilliant and timely script, Reggie has his finger on the pulse of a generation – I’m thrilled to be a part of telling this story.”
The official synopsis reads: “When Billy succeeds in impressing the producers of a fictional constructed-reality show, he believes his life is set to change forever.
“A year after the show has aired, while some of Billy’s co-stars’ careers are thriving, Billy struggles to balance the afterglow of fame, social media, and tabloid kiss & tells, and the resulting assumptions people have made about his character – forcing deep vulnerabilities to the surface. Can Billy escape the reputation that now precedes him?”
The cast also includes Emma Rigby (Once Upon A Time In Wonderland), Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge (Enterprice), and Tilly Keeper (EastEnders).
Writer Reggie Yates said: “I’ve spent my whole career working in television and seen everything it has to offer – the best of it, the worst of it, how much it can be a force for good, and the way it changes lives.
“Reality TV is loved by those in it and those who watch it, but there are issues that come with that and this felt like an opportunity to tell a story which explores the relationship between reality TV, social media and fame.
“It’s been a year in the making but it’s great to finally share this film with the BBC Three audience, who I feel have grown up alongside me, and I hope will resonate with our main character, Billy, who is very close to my heart.”
A fifth season of Grantchester aired in the UK earlier this year on ITV.
The new episodes will begin in the US this June on PBS Masterpiece.
Grantchester is available on DVD on Amazon.