A warm and witty new sitcom about a pair of unlikely travelling companions will be set against the rugged landscape of rural Scotland.
Rambling, commissioned by BBC Scotland and BBC Comedy, starring East Kilbridian Mark Bonnar (Guilt, Line of Duty, Catastrophe) and Annan-born Ashley Jensen (Shetland, After Life, Catastrophe) is a feel-good Scottish sitcom all about putting your best foot forward.
Written by Iain Connell (Burnistoun, The Scotts) and Sharon Young (The Scotts), Rambling is set against the breathtaking - and occasionally sodden – landscape of rural Scotland and centres on mismatched pair Gerry (Bonnar) and Cat (Jensen).
You’d never put Gerry and Cat together. He’s order, she’s chaos. Gerry plans every step. Cat gets lost on the way to the car park. Gerry’s on a mission to fulfil a promise to his recently deceased brother. Cat’s flying solo having been thrown out a walking group that was supposed to be a fresh start for her. The more they walk and talk, they discover they’re travelling on common ground.
Mark Bonnar said: “I’m so thrilled to be doing this beautifully written, very funny script by Iain and Sharon. I’ve never played someone quite like Gerry before and I can’t wait to get cracking! On top of that, to be reunited with the wonderful Ashley Jensen! Doesn’t get any better.”
Ashley Jensen added: “Sharon and Ian’s script is about nothing and everything. It’s smart, honest, poignant, moving and funny. It’s about loss, loneliness, and our need for connection. I started my career with the BBC Comedy unit a long time ago, so I am delighted to return and be part of Rambling and to be reunited with the talented Mark Bonnar along with a resilient and incredibly skilled crew with whom we will be braving the Scottish elements to bring this beautiful special to life.”
Rambling is a one-off production from The Comedy Unit for BBC iPlayer, BBC Scotland and BBC One.
Gavin Smith, Commissioning Editor, BBC Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing Iain and Sharon’s hilarious outdoorsy sitcom to the screens in this one off special. It’s packed with brilliant banter and who better to be rambling on while rambling along than the wonderful Ashley Jensen and Mark Bonnar.”
Navi Lamba, Commissioning Editor, BBC Comedy added: “Some of the best comedies come from forcing unlikely people together, and Rambling does exactly that. Iain and Sharon have created a deeply relatable sitcom and I can’t wait for people to fall for Cat and Gerry.”