Catherine Tyldesley’s new sitcom is "a bit like a soap opera".
The former ‘Coronation Street’ actress is to star in new BBC One show ‘Scarborough’ next week, and creator and writer Derren Litten admits the series has similarities to Soapland.
He said: "There are various stories running concurrently, a bit like a soap opera, but the main characters are really Mike [Jason Manford] and Karen [Catherine], a couple in their late 30s who split up several years ago but now, after Karen’s divorce, are getting back together."
The ‘Benidorm’ creator was attempting to make "the first comedy soap" when he initially came up with the idea for ‘Scarborough’, which is set in the seaside town, but he is "not sure" if he has accomplished that goal.
He added: "My intention was to write the first comedy soap. I’m not sure if I’ve done that but like a soap I think we have enough going on to keep people’s interest.
"Also we have the hidden gem which is Scarborough; it really is the most beautiful fishing town and some of the aerial shots of the castle, the harbour and the town are absolutely breath-taking."
Catherine has admitted one of the main things which attracted her to the show was Derren’s writing.
She said: "I’ve always been a fan of Derren’s writing, he writes so well.
"For me it’s hilarious but it’s so genuine and so warm. It’s completely character-led and all of them are so wonderful. In terms of Karen and Mike, a lot of couples will be able to see themselves in them.
"I’ve been reading the scripts with my husband at home and said, ‘Oh God, it’s us.’ So it’s very relatable, very warm, very genuine and extremely funny. I fell in love with it the minute I read episode one."
Catherine Tyldesley’s ‘soap opera’ sitcom
