White Van Man For Three

ITV Studios Comedy and BBC Three have confirmed the production of White Van Man, a major new six x 30 minute scripted comedy produced by ITV Studios for BBC Three primetime.
Saurabh Kakkar, Creative Director of Comedy at ITV Studios said: "We're all incredibly excited to be making White Van Man for BBC Three.
"Having worked briefly in a White Van in my youth, I feel a little of Ollie’s pain as he tries to make the best of his unpredictable lot. I think audiences will too; it’s a real slice of modern working life, full of warmth and great gags and reinforces what a huge talent Will Mellor is."
Mr Kakkar added: "It's also the first narrative created by writer and stand-up Adrian Poynton, and we're really proud, along with BBC Three, to be developing new talent in this way."
The series will star Will Mellor and Clive Mantle with Simon Lupton, Commissioning Editor at the BBC commenting: "Adrian has created a heart-warming world that can deliver big laughs, and characters you quickly fall in love with.
"It's rare to find a new writer who can write with such confidence, and with such a strong team beside him we firmly believe White Van Man will be a treat for the viewers.
"We are also delighted that BBC Three can continue its relationship with Will Mellor. A firm favourite in Two Pints of Lager, the audience is going to love him in this new role."
Commissioned by Danny Cohen, Controller BBC Three and Cheryl Taylor, Controller, Comedy Commissioning, White Van Man centres upon the reluctant heir of a family handyman business and the challenges and frustrations that his new calling presents.
When Ollie's (Will Mellor, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps) dad Tony (Clive Mantle, The Vicar of Dibley) has to take unplanned retirement following a heart attack, he is not convinced that his son is equipped for the world of painting and decorating.
Ollie's background is in the more refined world of catering - he has always dreamed of having his own restaurant, not a white Ford Transit.
But, with no other options available to father or son, Ollie agrees to take time out from his plans to run a luxury eatery to hold the fort at his dad's business.
The series profiles an underdog trying to scratch a living for his father while hurdling an onslaught of chaotic situations, which tempt him to flee in his van.
That is, if it wasn't for Emma (Georgia Moffett, Dr Who), a severe crush from catering college, holding him back and the 'least helpful helper'.
White Van Man will be filmed on location in Manchester summer 2010 and is written by Adrian Poynton, winner of the Fringe First Award for A Very Naughty Boy; directed by James Strong, who directed Doctor Who: Planet of the Dead, The Voyage of the Damned (featuring Kylie Minogue) and affiliated series Torchwood; Director of Photography is Steve Buckland whose work includes Hotel Babylon and Shameless.
It is produced by Rohan Acharya and executive produced by Saurabh Kakkar, who also executive produced the highly anticipated The Fattest Man in Britain written by Jeff Pope and Caroline Aherne for ITV1.
(BMcC/GK)