Second Series Of 'Back' Confirmed By Channel 4

Channel 4 has commissioned a second series of sitcom Back.

The series follows Stephen (David Mitchell) as he attempts to follow in the footsteps of his recently deceased father and take over the family business. However, his plans are thrown into turmoil with the return of Andrew, his estranged foster brother (Robert Webb).

The comedy duo are joined in the series by Louise Brealey, Penny Downie, Jessica Gunning, Matthew Holness, John MacMillan, Oliver Maltman, Geoffrey McGivern, and Olivia Poulet.

Production of the new 6x30' run will begin in the summer of 2018.

Writer Simon Blackwell said: "I'm enormously happy that Channel 4 have asked us to hang around for a lock-in at the John Barleycorn."

Fiona McDermott, Head of Comedy at Channel 4, added: "Writers of Simon's calibre don't just turn up unannounced, at a graveside, claiming to be your foster brother, so it was easy to seize the opportunity to work with him, David, Robert and Big Talk again on this brilliantly funny show."

Kenton Allen, CEO Big Talk Productions, commented: "We're thrilled that C4 have moved so swiftly to recommission a second series. They have been fantastic supporters of Big Talk, Simon, David and Robert over the years so we're delighted to be working with the C4 Comedy Connoisseurs on another instalment of the twisted lives of the regulars at The John Barleycorn Public House."

Back has been recommissioned for Channel 4 by Head of Comedy Fiona McDermott and Commissioning Editor Jack Bayles. The series is produced by That Mitchell & Webb Company in association Big Talk Productions. Blackwell, Mitchell and Webb will again serve as Executive Producers, along with Kenton Allen and Matthew Justice. International Distribution is with BBC Worldwide. Big Talk is a part of ITV Studios.

www.channel4.com

(JP/MH)