Cab Comedy For BBC One

[moonstorm]

Jo Joyner, who plays Tanya Branning in EastEnders, is to star alongside Lisa Millett in a new three-part comedy drama for BBC One.

Candy Cabs tells the story of two women from the north of England who start a taxi firm run by women for women, but whose journey towards becoming entrepreneurs is beset by personal obstacles.

The programme features an ensemble cast including Paul Nicholls, Denis Lawson, John Henshaw, Paule Kaye and Jodie Prenger.

Claire Sweeney, Melanie Hill, Tom Goodman-Hill, Daniel Ryan and Ricky Whittle also have roles in the show.

Cheryl Taylor, the BBC's commissioning head of comedy, said: "We're delighted to be on board with the girls from Candy Cabs. The series has a wonderful cast, warm and witty writing and a sparkling seaside setting brimming with northern soul.

"We look forward to three nights of emotional and dramatic fun with these lovely ladies."

The cast begins filming the show at the end of May. Jo Joyner, who went on maternity leave from EastEnders at the end of last year, will be seen back in the soap for one episode this month, before returning to filming in Albert Square later in the summer.

[Perdita]

Former Hollyoaks star Ricky Whittle has revealed that he is thrilled with his role in new BBC One comedy Candy Cabs, describing the show as "hilarious".

The actor was recently confirmed as a cast member in the forthcoming three-part programme, which features Jo Joyner and Lisa Millett as its two leads.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo about his new part, Whittle commented: "It is a hilarious script but I did not realise how good it was until I got to the read-through. Every character from all three episodes was there and the comedy which people were bringing to the table made me laugh out loud.

"The UK used to be comedy central, but America has been taking over. We have not really made anything for a long time, so this is a step in the right direction."

He added: "I play a footballer who appears in the second episode. He is getting married - that will be three weddings in a year - and it is not all going to plan."

Whittle bowed out of Hollyoaks earlier this year in a dramatic storyline which saw his character Calvin Valentine being shot dead on his wedding day.

[Katy]

ooh sounds good, i like lisa millett, i wonder who wrote it.

[ajay10]

ooh sounds good, i like lisa millett, i wonder who wrote it.

It's written by Johanna McAndrew and Elliott Hope who have written for Hollyoaks and Holby City as well as other shows.

[moonstorm]

Looking forward to see Ricky in another role, espiciall a comic role.

[lizann]

Looking forward to see Ricky in another role, espiciall a comic role.

He will be there to show his stomach and thats it he cant act

[Perdita]

Tuesday 5 April
9.00-10.00pm BBC ONE


Jackie (Jo Joyner) and Elaine (Lisa Millett) struggle as they launch their all-female cab companyBest friends Jackie and Elaine are mourning the death of their friend Shazza, whose passing has left them in the lurch just as they were set to go into business with an all-female cab company, in this new comedy written by Johanne McAndrew and Elliot Hope. It's at Shazza's funeral that they make a pact to proceed with their plan.

With chaotic personal lives, a secretly re-mortgaged home and a bunch of best friends depending on them for jobs, they embark on their dream of Candy Cabs. Taking the biggest gamble of their lives, they accept delivery of a fleet of bright pink taxis, celebrate with a launch party and pray that business will flow.

But they soon discover a host of hidden obstacles, including the need to sit the "knowledge" before they can even hit the road, and the little problem of signing up customers. Jackie takes an unorthodox approach to manipulating the media, much to Elaine's dismay. And just what are the motives of Kenny Ho, the enigmatic boss of the town's largest fleet of cabs?

The shady Dennis, Shazza's ex, turns up to disrupt their lives, Elaine struggles to keep her secret from her husband and, unexpectedly, romance is in the air for Jackie.

With so many distractions, can they keep their eyes on the road and turn their fledgling business into the success they dream about?

[Perdita]

Tuesday 12 April
9.00-10.00pm BBC ONE


Business picks up for Jackie (Jo Joyner) and Elaine (Lisa Millett)Business is picking up following Jackie and Elaine's television appearance and they're thrilled when footballer Eddie Shannon books Candy Cabs to provide the transport for his high-profile wedding at the local stadium, as the comedy continues.

The dastardly Dennis slyly tries to wangle his way back into Witney's good books when she's left out of the wedding excitement.

Meanwhile, over at Kenny Ho's rival cab firm, the male drivers are up in arms, threatened by the female competition. The plotting against Jackie and Elaine gathers pace when the troublemakers start causing mischief among South Hadley's movers and shakers. Things come to a head when Kenny turns up at Elaine's house with an extraordinary offer.

Later, wedding madness ensues when bride-to-be Kendra goes missing following the hen night. Candy Cabs find themselves at the centre of a wedding attended by 10,000 football supporters which looks set to become a PR disaster.

Elsewhere, Dave's sister Diane is on the warpath after being sacked as a driver, while Alex's infatuation with his sister-in-law, Elaine, crosses the line.

Despite all the mayhem, Jackie's romance with Tony is blossoming – until Sally Ann makes a disturbing discovery. There also seems to be a story behind the unexpected package that lands on Tony's doorstep.

[tammyy2j]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00yk3dp

^ Previews

[alan45]

EastEnders star Jo Joyner has revealed that she would like to present a programme exploring other people's homes.

Speaking to Radio Times, the actress admitted that she is a big fan of programmes such as Location, Location, Location.

Asked what she would like to do after EastEnders, she said: "When or if I leave, I really want to do another period drama or I'd like to be Kirstie Allsopp.

"I love all of those Location and Relocation shows she does. I like nothing better than snooping around other people's houses, so it would be fascinating to present one."

Asked about her time in the BBC soap as Tanya Branning, Joyner admitted that she felt "very lucky" to have been at the centre of the Max and Stacey affair plot.

"My favourite was the Christmas one where Tanya found out about Max's affair with Stacey," she said. "That's when EastEnders is at its best and sums up what I think really works in soap - the story wasn't rushed, the viewers were invested in the characters, there were no big stunts just good acting and writing. I felt very lucky to be part of that story."

[layla]

Will look in on this . Do hope it's a good comedy. Though the format dose come from the film Carry on Cabby.

[Perdita]

Sorry, did not do it for me, not funny in any way :(

[Chloe O'brien]

Save me tuning in Perdy if it's rubbish.

[Perdita]

You might think it is ok, but certainly not my cup of tea :nono:

[moonstorm]

The only bit I liked was when she dried the shorts with her hair straightners, wish I had thought of that!

[Katy]

i quite liked it! very northern! and the scene at the begining i know the people that were being the directors!