Dougray Scott's Awkward Discovery on Live Television
In a cringe-worthy moment broadcast live to the nation, veteran actor Dougray Scott learned he had been excluded from the BBC Crookhaven cast's private group chat during an appearance on The One Show. The 60-year-old performer, who portrays headmaster Caspian Lockett in the upcoming drama series, was visibly taken aback when his younger co-star Carmel Laniado inadvertently revealed the oversight during their joint interview.
The Uncomfortable Exchange Unfolds
During Wednesday's edition of the popular BBC magazine program, Scott and Laniado—who plays his on-screen daughter Penelope in the adaptation—were discussing the bonds formed during production. Laniado enthusiastically described how the cast had become "best friends" through their shared experience filming the mysterious school drama. "We still text on the group chat all the time," the 21-year-old actress mentioned casually, prompting Scott to interject with evident surprise: "I'm not in that group chat."
The atmosphere immediately turned awkward as Laniado responded with nervous laughter before attempting to recover the situation. "I need to add you," she offered, before adding the somewhat unconvincing reassurance: "I promise you, you honestly would not want to be in it." The exchange highlighted the sometimes generational divides that can emerge even among colleagues working closely together on major television productions.
Crookhaven: A New BBC Family Drama
The series at the center of this social mishap is BBC's highly anticipated adaptation of J.J. Arcanjothe's beloved novels about a secret academy for young rogues. Set in the clandestine Crookhaven institution, the story follows pickpocketing prodigy Gabriel (played by Lucas Leach) and his rivalry with headmaster's daughter Penelope (Laniado) as eight international students compete for the prestigious Crooked Cup while battling a mysterious enemy known as The Nameless.
Screenwriter Justin Young expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating: "Bringing the Crookhaven world to life has been a glorious adventure, and it's both an honour and a thrill to be working with such an extraordinarily talented cast and crew." The production boasts an impressive ensemble including established names like Julie Hesmondhalgh, Keith Allen, and Naomi Wirthner alongside rising stars from popular series including Heartstopper, Game of Thrones, and The Witcher.
The Aftermath of an On-Air Revelation
While the group chat exclusion made for uncomfortable viewing, it also highlighted the genuine camaraderie that has developed among the younger cast members during production. Laniado had earlier explained: "You can actually build friendships with people on set and with your crew members and your cast so yeah, definitely really appreciate it. All of us, we're best friends now to this day."
The incident serves as a reminder of how modern communication methods—particularly the ubiquitous group chat—have become integral to cast dynamics in contemporary television production, sometimes creating unintentional social divisions between generations of performers. Whether Scott eventually gains access to the digital conversation remains to be seen, but the momentary discomfort certainly provided unexpected entertainment for viewers of the normally polished BBC program.
