Filming is officially underway on Rob Brydon's new BBC comedy, Bill, which follows fifty-something Bill Beam, who takes in student lodgers after his divorce.
The series is undoubtedly a must-watch for Gavin & Stacey fans, as it comes from Baby Cow Productions, the same team that produced the iconic BBC comedy.
© BBC/Baby Cow/Rob Baker AshtonIt also marks Rob's first scripted comedy outing since the award-winning sitcom, in which he plays the eccentric Uncle Bryn - and we can't wait to see the actor take on another brilliant comedy character.
Baby Cow executive producer Rupert Majendie described the six-parter as a "big, character-driven comedy with real emotional truth at its core," while leading star Rob hailed the scripts as "truly wonderful".
Intrigued? Keep reading to find out more, including which familiar faces are starring in the show.
What to expect from Bill
The series, penned by writing duo Ben Ashenden and Alexander Owen (Deep Cover), follows Bill Beam (Rob Brydon), a "well‑meaning but over‑enthusiastic divorcee" who avoids financial ruin by renting out his spare rooms to students.
The synopsis reads: "Bill is thrilled by the youthful energy his lodgers bring – but baffled by their indifference to his laminated house rules and colour-coded cutlery. He's torn between wanting to be part of the gang - sharing banter, keeping up with trends - and clinging to his role as responsible adult."
© BBC/Baby Cow/Rob Baker AshtonThe comedy follows Bill and the students as they muddle through "heartbreak, reinvention, and emotional upheaval". As surprising parallels emerge between university life and midlife crisis, can they overcome their differences?
Leading star Rob Brydon said in a statement: "I feel very lucky to be part of Bills Included. Alex Owen and Ben Ashenden have written some truly wonderful scripts and I can’t wait to help bring them to life."
Meanwhile, executive producer Rupert Majendie added: "Bill's Included is exactly the kind of show we love making at Baby Cow. Big, character driven comedy with real emotional truth at its core. It’s full of brilliantly funny performances, led by the incomparable Rob Brydon. We are so excited for everyone to meet Bill."
© CREDIT LINE:BBC Studios/Sister Pictures/Kerry SpicerWho stars in Bill?
Rob Brydon stars in the titular role, alongside Samantha Spiro (Waiting for the Out) and Nigel Lindsay (Mobland) as Bill's neighbours, Siobhan and Martin, and Kevin Eldon (Inside No 9) as record store owner Drew.
© DAVE M. BENETT/WIREIMAGEThey're joined by Dylan Brady (Mary & George), Ada Player (The Power of Parker), Harry Baxendale (The Radleys) and Yasmin Al-Khudhairi (A Good Girls Guide to Murder) as students Christian, Hettie, James and Zahra.
When will Bill be released?
A release date has yet to be confirmed. With filming only just begun, we'd expect the series to arrive in late 2026 at the earliest.
