After years of iconic roles in gritty dramas, Danny Dyer is stepping into the world of comedy with Mr Bigstuff, a new sitcom set to air on Sky Comedy in 2024. Known for his intense characters, most notably as Mick Carter on EastEnders, this marks Dyer’s first foray into a comedic role, and it promises to be a fresh and exciting departure from his previous work.
The Premise of “Mr Bigstuff”
Mr Bigstuff is a dark comedy exploring themes of broken families, fragile masculinity, and, rather uniquely, carpet sales. The show centers on the lives of two estranged brothers, Glen and Lee, who find themselves living under the same roof, despite their vastly different personalities and lifestyles. Glen (played by Ryan Sampson) is a nervous, perfectionist carpet shop manager striving for a suburban ideal with his fiancée Kirsty.
His life takes a turn when his chaotic, alpha-male brother Lee (Dyer) returns after running from his troubled past. Lee is unpredictable, battling prescription drug addiction, and bringing a whirlwind of drama into Glen’s seemingly perfect life. The pair, along with Kirsty, are forced to confront their fractured family dynamic as they try to co-exist in an Essex cul-de-sac. The series promises a blend of humor and rawness, as it unravels the complexities of familial relationships, personal struggles, and the absurdities of suburban life.
Danny Dyer in a New Light: His Role as Lee
Danny Dyer’s role as Lee in Mr Bigstuff is a departure from his usual tough-guy image. Lee is a complicated character, far from the typical heroic or morally upright roles Dyer is known for. Lee is deeply flawed: an addict, estranged from his family, and full of bravado that hides deeper insecurities. In interviews, Dyer has expressed excitement about exploring this new, complex character. He revealed that he was drawn to the role because it allowed him to explore the dysfunction of family relationships, something that resonates deeply with him.
Fans who know Dyer from his work on EastEnders may be curious about his ability to make them laugh. Dyer himself has noted that after his dramatic exit from the soap, it felt like the right time to try something new. He was particularly excited by the opportunity to work alongside Ryan Sampson, whom he had previously collaborated with on the sitcom Plebs.
The Brothers’ Dysfunctional Relationship
The dynamic between Glen and Lee promises to be the heart of Mr Bigstuff. Glen, the neat-freak manager, represents the mundane and orderly life that many people aspire to, while Lee is the complete opposite, unpredictable, rough around the edges, and constantly dragging his brother back into chaos. Their interactions will undoubtedly provide a wealth of comedic material, especially given their deep-rooted sibling rivalry and contrasting personalities.
As the show progresses, viewers can expect to see these brothers navigating their differences and attempting (though likely failing) to get along. The show’s creators, including Sampson, have hinted that their bond will be central to the plot’s emotional depth, as the characters learn to deal with their past while growing in unexpected ways.
A Star-Studded Cast Alongside Danny Dyer
In addition to Dyer, Mr Bigstuff features a strong supporting cast. Ryan Sampson, known for his roles in Brassic and Plebs, plays Glen, the neurotic and perfectionist brother. Harriet Webb also stars as Kirsty, Glen’s fiancée, adding her own quirks to the mix. The show also features well-known actors like Adrian Scarborough, Fatiha El-Ghorri, Nitin Ganatra, and Judi Love, who bring their unique comedic talents to the series. This ensemble cast promises a delightful mix of comedy and drama, with strong performances that complement the show’s quirky premise.
Why Fans Are Excited
Fans are eager to see Danny Dyer embrace a new type of role, and early reactions to Mr Bigstuff have been positive. People are particularly intrigued by the show’s combination of humor and serious undertones, especially as it explores themes like masculinity, addiction, and family dysfunction in a relatable yet often hilarious way. This mix of humor and heart makes Mr Bigstuff a standout in the current landscape of British sitcoms, which often blend character-driven storytelling with witty dialogue.
Moreover, Danny Dyer’s transition into comedy has created a buzz, with many wondering how his unique energy and delivery will translate into a comedic setting. While he has always been known for his no-nonsense style, fans are curious to see how he balances that with the more absurd situations his character will inevitably find himself in.
What We Can Expect from the Show
Mr Bigstuff is set to air on Sky Comedy and NOW in Spring 2024, with six episodes in its first series. The show’s humor is described as dark, with a focus on the breakdown of idealized suburban life. Fans can expect plenty of laughs, but also moments that delve into the more serious aspects of life, such as addiction and family trauma. The show’s blend of quirky characters, absurd situations, and underlying emotional depth makes it a unique addition to the comedy genre.
FAQs
Why did Danny Dyer leave EastEnders to join this project?
Dyer explained that after his dramatic exit from EastEnders, he felt it was time to try something fresh and new. The role of Lee in “Mr Bigstuff” appealed to him due to its exploration of dysfunctional family dynamics and comedic moments. Dyer has expressed that the shift from his intense soap role to comedy has been liberating and exciting.
How does “Mr Bigstuff” compared to Dyer’s previous roles?
While Dyer is best known for his tough-guy roles, particularly on EastEnders, “Mr Bigstuff” allows him to showcase his comedic talent. The role of Lee is more offbeat and chaotic, marking a sharp contrast to his previous more serious, hardman roles. It’s a major shift in his career, and he’s excited to bring a lighter, more comedic side to his acting.
Will there be a return of Mick Carter from EastEnders?
While the door was left open for Mick Carter’s return to EastEnders, Danny Dyer is currently focused on other projects, including “Mr Bigstuff”. For now, it seems that a return to the soap is not in the cards.
In Summary
Mr Bigstuff represents a new chapter in Danny Dyer’s career, and one that promises to showcase his versatility as an actor. With its mix of dysfunctional family dynamics, dark humor, and a star-studded cast, the show is shaping up to be a hit for 2024. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Dyer or simply looking for something new and entertaining, Mr Bigstuff offers a fresh take on British sitcoms and is definitely worth the watch. Fans can look forward to seeing how Danny Dyer brings his comedic chops to this intriguing role, and whether Lee’s chaotic antics will make him a memorable comedic character.
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