Nicola Walker Embarks on Comedic Departure in Disney+ Series 'Alice and Steve'
Acclaimed actress Nicola Walker, best known for her dramatic roles in series like Unforgotten and The Split, is set to return to screens in a highly anticipated new comedy. The 55-year-old star takes a leading role in Alice and Steve, a forthcoming series created by the team behind the Netflix sensation Baby Reindeer. The show is scheduled to premiere on Disney+ for international audiences and on Hulu for viewers in the United States.
A Hilarious and Messy Premise
In Alice and Steve, Walker portrays Alice, a woman whose world is turned upside down when she learns that her lifelong best friend, Steve, played by Jemaine Clement, has begun a romantic relationship with her 26-year-old daughter, Izzy, portrayed by Yali Topol Margalith. Devastated by this revelation, Alice fears losing both her daughter and her decades-long confidant, prompting her to embark on a mission to sabotage the budding romance.
However, Steve is not one to back down easily, setting the stage for a direct confrontation with Alice. This clash ignites what producers describe as an 'all out feud', blending humour with emotional complexity. The series is billed as an anti-romantic comedy that delves into themes of friendship, family dynamics, and love, while posing the provocative question: how far would you go for love or revenge?
Production and Promotion
The series is produced by Clerkenwell Films, the same production company responsible for the global Netflix hit Baby Reindeer. Streaming platforms are promoting Alice and Steve as the 'ultimate wrong-com' and a 'must-watch' event, highlighting its unique blend of comedy and drama. The ensemble cast also includes Joel Fry, Marcia Warren, Tyrese Eaton-Dyce, Ebony Aboagye, and Eilidh Fisher, adding depth and diversity to the storytelling.
A synopsis for the series teases ongoing tensions: 'Will Alice forgive Steve? Will Steve and Izzy make a relationship work? Amongst all the questions hanging in the balance, one thing is certain; their lives will never be the same again.' This narrative promises to keep audiences engaged with its unpredictable twists and heartfelt moments.
Walker's Dramatic Legacy and New Direction
Nicola Walker's shift to comedy marks a significant departure from her established dramatic repertoire. From 2015 to 2021, she captivated viewers as DCI Cassie Stuart in the critically acclaimed series Unforgotten, where she investigated cold cases of disappearance and murder alongside DI Sunil 'Sunny' Khan, played by Sanjeev Bhaskar. More recently, from 2018 to 2024, she portrayed divorce lawyer Hannah Stern in the BBC legal drama The Split, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile and compelling actress.
Her move into comedy with Alice and Steve showcases her range and willingness to explore new genres, potentially attracting a broader audience while delighting her existing fan base.
BBC Comedy 'Mammoth' Also Returns
In related entertainment news, the BBC has announced the return of its beloved comedy series Mammoth for a third season. The show, which first launched in 2024, follows the adventures of Tony Mammoth, a 1970s PE teacher played by Mike Bubbins, who is given a second chance at life after being preserved in ice since 1979. Despite finding himself in the modern day, Tony remains determined to live by his 1970s values while navigating the complexities of the 21st century.
Filming for the new series is set to begin in June, with co-star Sian Gibson rejoining Bubbins. The show's creator, Mike Bubbins, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating: 'It's been amazing to see how audiences have got behind this show. They've clearly got great taste! So, it's a no-brainer to get Mammoth, the big character with the even bigger moustache back to create more laughs. I've got some massive moments up my sleeve for series two.'
Jon Petrie, the BBC's Director of Comedy, added: 'It's been thrilling to see audiences tune in in impressive numbers and quickly embrace Tony Mammoth's timeless charm. Mike Bubbins, Paul Doolan and the BBC Studios team delivered a fantastic sitcom packed with laughs, and we can't wait to see more of Mammoth's retro antics.'
Fans have praised Mammoth for its humour, with one viewer noting: 'Watched it all in one sitting, it's funny.' Another commented: 'I had to pause it several times in the first 15mins as I was laughing out loud crying so much,' while a third said: 'Had me cracking up quite a bit.' The series' success underscores the enduring appeal of well-crafted comedy in today's entertainment landscape.
