Channel 4 Commissions Sitcom 'Back'

Channel 4 has announced it has commissioned a new sitcom, Back.

The comedy is written by Simon Blackwell and stars David Mitchell and Robert Webb.

Following the death of Stephen's (David Mitchell) father Laurie, a pub landlord, Stephen is left to take over the pub. His mum, Ellen, and sister, Cass, have no interest in the family business.

The 6x30' series follows Stephen's chance to shine as his only achievements so far have been marriage – followed by divorce – and a slightly disappointing pub refurbishment. However, when Andrew (Robert Webb) turns up out of the blue at the funeral, Stephen's plans go awry. Charismatic Andrew has lived in Sydney, Amsterdam, Chicago, the Loire valley and Berlin but in 1989 he spent five months fostered by Laurie and Ellen as a 15-year-old. To Stephen, Andrew was just one of a string of 30-odd foster kids who he spent his childhood resenting, but Andrew remembers every detail and sees that time as the most important of his life.

Now Andrew is back and is keen to revisit the closest thing he's ever had to a family. Ellen loves Andrew. Cass loves Andrew. Even Laurie's brother Uncle Geoff loves Andrew. Yet Stephen doesn't love Andrew, believing he wants to steal his family, business and life.

Fiona McDermott, Commissioning Editor for Comedy, said: "David and Robert are part of the Channel 4 comedy family and it's wonderful to welcome them back, in Back, with the brilliant Simon Blackwell at the helm."

Kenton Allen, CEO, Big Talk Productions, added: "Good things come to those that wait and Back is absolute proof of this. Simon, David and Robert are the Holy Trinity of British Comedy and it's a rare privilege to be working with such exceptional comic minds."

Back has been commissioned for Channel 4 by Phil Clarke, Acting Head of Drama and Head of Comedy and Commissioning Editor for Comedy, Fiona McDermott. It is a That Mitchell & Webb Company production in association with Big Talk Productions. Kenton Allen, David Mitchell, Robert Webb & Simon Blackwell are Executive Producers. International Distribution is with BBC Worldwide. Big Talk is a part of ITV Studios.

www.channel4.com

(JP/MH)