It's no coincidence that the title of Nathan Foad's new sitcom has a local place name in the title. The series was inspired by Foad's own experiences of growing up in the Nottinghamshire town of Newark.
The three-part comedy staring Nottingham's own Mathew Horne, follows fish and chip shop manager, Maxine, as she tries to ride out her divorce and find new love. The official synopsis says: "Newark, Newark captures the goofy, sticky oddness of long English summers and the joyous, comforting and somewhat ridiculous things that go on in a small town."
There are some famous faces in the line-up with some strong Notts links. Here's what they had to say about the show as well as a memory jog for those struggling to recall some of the high profile shows they may have seen the cast in previously.
READ MORE: Jack Monroe shares 3 meals you can make for £1.20 and they look delicious
In the show, Maxine, played by Morgana Robinson, tries to find someone who "actually lights her fire". However, it's easier said than done with her "big-mouthed, soft-bellied, son", Leslie dramatically coming out as gay to the surprise of no one and her ex-husband, Terry, trying ever more desperately to win her back.
What this stellar cast had to say and what's they've been in before
Morgana Robinson
She stars as fish and chip shop owner Maxine but you may remember her in The Windsors when she played Pippa Middleton. The multi-talented impressionist, writer and actress has also had her own sketch show - The Morgana Show. She recently took up a seat and a challenge or two as a Taskmaster contestant.
Posting on Instagram on the launch day of the show, she wrote: "So good they named it twice' Chortle. Newark, Newark starts tonight 9pm on GOLD, uktv, skytv, nowtv." She added: "We hope you love it as much as we do". In reply, one person said: "I really loved it so much! It's brilliant!! Will there be more episodes? I binge watched the first 3". Morgana replied: "Hopefully".
Another fan said: "Finished watching it this evening, loved the ending perfect setup for series 2. I'll join you in a ceremonial hat eating if you don't get a second series at least. hmm are hats vegan?" Praise for the show continued: "The queen of Newark! Some great one liners, and laugh out loud. Hope there’s more to come. It was brilliant."
Mathew Horne
Gavin and Stacey star Mathew Horne is Nottingham born - Burton Joyce in fact - so is familiar with the actual town of Newark. He said: "When I was sent the scripts and offered the role, I was reading them on the train to Newark, which is the station I use to visit my father. It all felt very serendipitous, and the producers didn't even know I’m from that area."
Horne plays Maxine's ex-husband Terry. Asked how familiar the character of Terry seemed, Mathew said: "I was born and raised 10 miles from Newark, and I went to school five miles away from Newark, so I know the area and I know those people. Without naming names - and I certainly don't have any names - I've been around an atmosphere and a generation of men who’ve been through the same things as Terry."
Horne was educated at Burton Joyce Primary School, and went on to study performing arts at the Southwell Minster School. He then made his way to Manchester before starting his career as a comedian.
As well as taking a central role in hit James Corden and Ruth Jones's Gavin and Stacey, the home grown actor has starred in Bad Education alongside Jack Whitehall. He is currently on the big screen starring in Catherine Tate's Nan: The Movie.
Beverly Callard
Former Corrie star Beverly has swapped the cobbles to play Pauline in Newark Newark. As well as playing Liz McDonald in long running soap Coronation Street, Callard has starred in Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, and, among other roles in rival soap Emmerdale (playing Angie Richards).
She said of working on the show: "There are moments which are really poignant with some real sadness, but more often than not it just makes you laugh out loud. Even reading the scripts made me laugh out loud and not many things do that to me. My favourite screen comedy is Schitt’s Creek and I honestly think this is even better. I had to say yes and give my heart and soul to it."
Jai Hollis
When asked about getting the role of Leslie in the show, Jai remembers clearly when he got the call. "It was the 23rd December 2019 and I was in my Christmas pyjamas listening to Fleetwood Mac. I heard my mum walking up the stairs and saying, “I’ll get him now.” I thought, “Oh my god, it's the phone call.”
"It was Nathan, and he said: “I can offer you the role of Leslie.” Me and mum freaked out for the whole day. I couldn’t believe it. This was my first ever audition and I got incredibly lucky. I'm so glad because I couldn’t have asked for amore perfect first job. The show is the best thing I've done in my entire life and I'm so insanely proud of it."
Posting on Instagram prior to the show airing, Jai wrote: "Words cannot express how proud and grateful I am to be apart of this show. Every ! single ! person, cast & crew, who worked on this are amazing and I'm in love with all of you. I learned so so much and for this to be my first job I am so fortunate and proud. I adore all of you and I CANNOT wait for everyone to see it!!!!!!" Adding: "And to Nathan Foad thank u so much for giving me the chance to play Leslie, it’s a dream come true ILY the most!
Nathan Foad
The creator and writer for the show, Nathan also plays Rowan. As Foad grew up in Newark, the obvious question to ask him was how autobiographical is the show? He said: "An aspect of the show which isn’t autobiographical is that my parents are still together - they're obsessed with each other - and I have two older brothers, who are five and seven years older than me. They’re both very blokey and they have quite a lot in common. I was like a little black sheep. I've definitely taken real liberties, but the core of Leslie and Maxine are true. Everything else I’ve had fun with to make it a funny half-hour comedy."
You'll be able to spot him in a supporting role in Newark Newark. You may recognise him from Bloods, a Sky paramedic sitcom.
Newark Newark aired on Gold and is available on demand on Sky, Virgin Media and Now TV
