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Comedy Writer's Father Inspired BBC Sitcom
1 Feb
Summary
- Sitcom co-written by comedy writer's father, Paul Mayhew-Archer.
- Series inspired by writer's father's Parkinson's diagnosis.
- Filming took place in Somerset, with a Cornwall connection.
Simon Mayhew-Archer, the writer behind the BBC sitcom 'Can You Keep a Secret?', has shared that a substantial part of the series is inspired by his own life. Mayhew-Archer, based in Oxfordshire, noted the significant assistance from his father, Paul Mayhew-Archer, who co-wrote 'The Vicar of Dibley'.
His father's input was crucial for plot development, acting as a 'pet script editor'. The series' narrative, which follows a retired couple who can claim life insurance after the husband is mistakenly declared dead, also draws from personal experiences. Mayhew-Archer's father was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2011, a condition mirrored by a character in the show.
Filming for 'Can You Keep a Secret?' took place in Somerset. The comedy writer also mentioned a humorous reference to Bicester Village in one episode, which required clearance from the Ugg brand. Fans are already anticipating a potential second series following the first's cliffhanger ending.
