Derry Girls Star Jamie-Lee O'Donnell to Lead New BBC Comedy 'Hopley Hall'

Derry Girls' beloved star Jamie-Lee O'Donnell is set to grace screens once again as the lead in a new BBC One comedy series, 'Hopley Hall'. The six-part ensemble sitcom, created by Daniel Peak, co-writer of 'Not Going Out', is set in a charmingly dilapidated Grade 1 listed house in the Northern Ireland countryside. The series promises a warm-hearted look at the eccentric staff and volunteers who keep the historic estate running.

Key Takeaways

• Jamie-Lee O'Donnell, known for her role as Michelle in 'Derry Girls', will star in the new BBC comedy 'Hopley Hall'.

• The series is created by Daniel Peak, co-writer of 'Not Going Out'.

• 'Hopley Hall' is an ensemble sitcom set in a historic, slightly shabby house in the Northern Ireland countryside.

• The show will feature a motley crew of staff and volunteers.

• The commission was announced at the BBC Comedy Festival in Liverpool.

A New Comedy Venture

'Hopley Hall' centres around the lives of the staff and volunteers dedicated to maintaining the historic estate, which is home to the ancient and bewildered Lady Hopley. The survival of the house, a former Hopley family residence, hinges on tourism, though it faces stiff competition from a more popular local castle.

Behind the Scenes

Daniel Peak, the creator and writer, expressed his excitement for the project, highlighting the opportunity to create a "big, warm-hearted ensemble sitcom" with a talented team of Northern Irish comedy writers, including Oisin Kearney, Michael McCullagh, Shannon Welby, Susannah McKenna-Strathern, the late Michael Patrick, Eileen Tracey, and Caitlin Magnall-Kearns. Tom Marshall is directing the series.

O'Donnell shared her enthusiasm, stating, "Delighted to be at the forefront of Daniel Peak's new BBC comedy series and looking forward to bringing this fun and exciting project to life. I'll see you soon at Hopley Hall."

Executive producers Chris Jones and Phil Temple of Nice One and Birdie Pictures respectively, described the commission as a "dream come true," eager to add 'Hopley Hall' to the BBC's legacy of classic comedies and to showcase Northern Irish writing and performing talent.

BBC's Comedy Vision

Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy, believes 'Hopley Hall' has all the elements for success, praising O'Donnell's "impeccable comic acting," Peak's "brilliantly clever writing," and the fresh material from new Northern Ireland writers. He anticipates "laughs, warmth, wit and a lot of chaos" for BBC viewers.

Eddie Doyle, BBC Northern Ireland Head of Commissioning, echoed this sentiment, calling O'Donnell a "brilliantly gifted performer" to bring Peak's creation to life and noting the series as an exciting addition to the BBC's comedy offering and a platform for local talent.

The announcement was made during the BBC Comedy Festival in Liverpool, where other BBC comedy commissions and renewals were also revealed.

Sources

• Jamie-Lee O'Donnell to star in new sitcom Hopley Hall, British Comedy Guide.

• Derry Girls star Jamie-Lee O’Donnell boards new BBC comedy, Female First.