Alan Carr has announced he has started work on a new TV series with ITV – just days after losing out as a judge on the network’s talent show Britain’s Got Talent.
The 46-year-old comedian was reportedly “devastated” when he lost the job, which eventually went to Bruno Tonioli after Simon Cowell sidelined ITV bosses.
Alan will play himself in the series called Changing Ends, which is based on his experiences as the son of a fourth division football manager in Northampton in the 1980s.
Keep Calm and Carr-y on Alan!: Comedian Alan Carr, 46, unveiled his new ITV show days after being rejected from Britain’s Got Talent
The comedy series follows the life of young Alan as he grapples with the trials and tribulations of youth, self-discovery and coming out as gay in Thatcher’s Britain.
The six-episode show will initially debut on ITV’s new streaming platform ITX, according to the Sun.
Alan co-wrote the series with Scottish BAFTA and RTS winner and Two Doors Down author Simon Carlyle.
Rejected: ITV chose Bruno Tonioli over Alan as the new judge after David Walliams resigned in November
While the Chatty Man host plays himself in contemporary scenes, young Alan is played by breakout star Oliver Savell.
The Northampton comedy superstar expressed his excitement about the project on Instagram.
He wrote: “And so it begins – the first day of filming for my sitcom Changing Ends, based on my life in Northampton.”
“Emotional, nervous, excited, freezing (but I think it’s because of the weather), congratulate me.”
Change the ending: The comedian’s new show is based on his experiences growing up in 1980s Northampton as the son of a football referee
“Emotional, nervous, excited”: The TV host revealed his emotions about the project through an Instagram post
His fans will be delighted to hear that Alan will soon be back on our screens, despite his rejection from Britain’s Got Talent last week.
The ex-Friday Night Project presenter was among the final two to become judges on the ITV talent show after previous judge David Walliams quit in November.
The role eventually went to Strictly’s Bruno after Simon Cowell, who is friends with Bruno, overruled furious ITV bosses’ decision to hire Alan.
A source close to the show said: “This is one of the strangest events in show business in recent years. Alan was told he had the job and then Bruno’s name came up. It’s so bizarre.
“Some ITV bosses are upset by the decision and prefer Alan, as are most of those involved with the show, who were genuinely over the moon at the prospect of him joining them on the series. They all wanted him, but Cowell was against it, he wanted his friend.’ Tonioli joining BGT means there are now two former Strictly judges on the panel – something ITV bosses have reportedly rejected.
It is understood Alan was “devastated” at losing the job he thought was his.
Friends of the star said he was told by those close to him two weeks ago that he was going to be on the show.
Real life blow: The Chatty Man host was reportedly “devastated” at losing the job he thought was his
He reportedly changed the dates of his filming commitments for the BBC show Ru Paul’s Drag Race so he could attend the BGT auditions.
He even started arranging his on-screen clothes – until he saw reports that Toniloi was also lining up to take over for Walliams.
One told the Daily Mail: “He was trying to keep his head up, he thought he had it. It’s really a disappointment for him. BGT really missed a trick, especially with the on-screen chemistry between him and Amanda.”
Disgraced actor and writer David Walliams was forced to quit the show last year after a decade after making lewd comments about the contestants during the 2020 auditions.
In November, it was reported that he was stepping down from the role, although sources close to the show say he “jumped before he was punched”.
By: Embarrassed actor and writer David Walliams, 51, was forced to quit the show last year after a decade after making vile comments about contestants at the 2020 auditions.
Source: Daily Mail
Ashley Root is an author and celebrity journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for all things celebrity, Ashley is always up-to-date on the latest gossip and trends in the world of entertainment.
