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New 'Being Human' cast revealed!
Published Tuesday, Nov 4 2008, 00:06 GMT | By Neil Wilkes | 26 comments
After a successful pilot episode earlier this year, Being Human is returning for a full, six-episode series on BBC Three.
The drama - being filmed now in Bristol - revolves around a werewolf, a vampire and a ghost sharing a house together.
The pilot was, to all intents and purposes, a huge success - notching up critical acclaim, almost half a million viewers and an internet petition calling for a full series. The wish was granted.
Now, for the series proper, producers have made a number of changes to the format - including drafting in a new cast.
The only survivor from the pilot is Russell Tovey, who plays George, the nerdy hospital porter battling with his double identity as a predatory werewolf.
Aidan Turner (RTÉ's The Clinic) takes over from Guy Flanagan as Mitchell, the laid-back vampire who is struggling to go 'cold turkey' from the whole blood-sucking thing.
Replacing Andrea Riseborough in the role of Annie is Lenora Crichlow, best known for playing Sugar in C4 lesbian drama Sugar Rush. Annie is the talkative but unconfident ghost, who is trapped in the house that George and Mitchell come to inhabit.
"Having a new cast is mainly to do with the slight tonal shift in the show," producer Matt Bouch tells me. "We wanted to go slightly younger, mainly because [the pilot] skewed perhaps slightly too old for BBC Three's target audience."
Also reworked is the vampires-taking-over-the-world subplot led by a character named Herrick (Adrian Lester). Now Herrick is a more down-to-earth chappy, played by Jason Watkins (Funland), who attempts to turn Mitchell back to the dark side.
As for how the pilot fits into the master plan, try to forget it. "The pilot has been put on the shelf and won't be retransmitted. This is essentially a new show," Bouch adds. "We are re-introducing all of the characters and assuming that the audience have no knowledge at all of the pilot."
Being Human will air early next year on BBC Three.
Add your comments to this entry below!
The drama - being filmed now in Bristol - revolves around a werewolf, a vampire and a ghost sharing a house together.
The pilot was, to all intents and purposes, a huge success - notching up critical acclaim, almost half a million viewers and an internet petition calling for a full series. The wish was granted.
Now, for the series proper, producers have made a number of changes to the format - including drafting in a new cast.
The only survivor from the pilot is Russell Tovey, who plays George, the nerdy hospital porter battling with his double identity as a predatory werewolf.
Aidan Turner (RTÉ's The Clinic) takes over from Guy Flanagan as Mitchell, the laid-back vampire who is struggling to go 'cold turkey' from the whole blood-sucking thing.
Replacing Andrea Riseborough in the role of Annie is Lenora Crichlow, best known for playing Sugar in C4 lesbian drama Sugar Rush. Annie is the talkative but unconfident ghost, who is trapped in the house that George and Mitchell come to inhabit.
"Having a new cast is mainly to do with the slight tonal shift in the show," producer Matt Bouch tells me. "We wanted to go slightly younger, mainly because [the pilot] skewed perhaps slightly too old for BBC Three's target audience."
Also reworked is the vampires-taking-over-the-world subplot led by a character named Herrick (Adrian Lester). Now Herrick is a more down-to-earth chappy, played by Jason Watkins (Funland), who attempts to turn Mitchell back to the dark side.
As for how the pilot fits into the master plan, try to forget it. "The pilot has been put on the shelf and won't be retransmitted. This is essentially a new show," Bouch adds. "We are re-introducing all of the characters and assuming that the audience have no knowledge at all of the pilot."
Being Human will air early next year on BBC Three.
Add your comments to this entry below!
Your Views
26 Comments
Your Responses
Wolf, on January 11th, 2011
I much prefer the old cast and series. There was real chemistry with the old group and came across much better.Many whom saw the original pilot is going to be confused with the whole Herrick dead/not dead now thing,plus I liked the whole Vamps trying to take the World thing. I just wish they hadn't tinkered with a good series!!!
I much prefer the old cast and series. There was real chemistry with the old group and came across much better.Many whom saw the original pilot is going to be confused with the whole Herrick dead/not dead now thing,plus I liked the whole Vamps trying to take the World thing. I just wish they hadn't tinkered with a good series!!!
Martin, on April 5th, 2009
I have no idea why they changed the cast. I've got nothing against the replacements - they're good actors and carried the roles well enough, I'll watch a second series (if they make it) without hesitation. However, the agoraphobic ghost from Barnsley that Andrea played had a strength of real personality that the show is now missing. Charming and annoying in equal measure, it felt like she was a real person who had something undeservedly bad happen to her, and made the show much more real. Why making Annie from Essex appeals to "younger" people I can't imagine. I've no idea what they objected to in Guy Flanagan, it seems Aidan is playing the exact same character in much the same way. I'm surprised that the BBC would interfere with the artistic process so badly - usually the trust they put in their show's creators is what sets them apart from everyone else.
I have no idea why they changed the cast. I've got nothing against the replacements - they're good actors and carried the roles well enough, I'll watch a second series (if they make it) without hesitation. However, the agoraphobic ghost from Barnsley that Andrea played had a strength of real personality that the show is now missing. Charming and annoying in equal measure, it felt like she was a real person who had something undeservedly bad happen to her, and made the show much more real. Why making Annie from Essex appeals to "younger" people I can't imagine. I've no idea what they objected to in Guy Flanagan, it seems Aidan is playing the exact same character in much the same way. I'm surprised that the BBC would interfere with the artistic process so badly - usually the trust they put in their show's creators is what sets them apart from everyone else.
Laura, on March 28th, 2009
Considering they wanted to aim at younger people (I am now 21, and was 20 when watching the pilot) I am very disappointed with the new cast of Being Human...though I wouldn't be if I hadn't seen the pilot. Despite being a supernatural there was something real about the first cast...now suddenly everyone is pretty and stereotypical once more. I have refused to watch the new cast for weeks in case it ruined the pilot...I just gave in. It's ruined it. Oh dear. What happened to the depth of the pilot? It left on a negative note towards what happens at death and a darker angle. Now suddently we have another "Angel" vampire. Nice to know BBC3 don't think they're viewers can handle anything with any depth.
Considering they wanted to aim at younger people (I am now 21, and was 20 when watching the pilot) I am very disappointed with the new cast of Being Human...though I wouldn't be if I hadn't seen the pilot. Despite being a supernatural there was something real about the first cast...now suddenly everyone is pretty and stereotypical once more. I have refused to watch the new cast for weeks in case it ruined the pilot...I just gave in. It's ruined it. Oh dear. What happened to the depth of the pilot? It left on a negative note towards what happens at death and a darker angle. Now suddently we have another "Angel" vampire. Nice to know BBC3 don't think they're viewers can handle anything with any depth.
Tony, Leeds, on January 28th, 2009
Wow! I see I'm not the only one who was surprised (I don't go on here often) and disappointed to see the new cast after the brilliant pilot. No offence to the actors but Aidan doesn't even come close to Guy at carrying off Mitchell with his whole persona etc. And though I didn't really like Andrea, I could have put up with her, whereas Lenora really has "teenified" Annie! Like someone mentioned earlier, I bet they were ready to pass on Russel too until Russel T. Davies mentioned him. Now he's left to carry this show on his own. BBC3 insulting us and dumbing down.....
Wow! I see I'm not the only one who was surprised (I don't go on here often) and disappointed to see the new cast after the brilliant pilot. No offence to the actors but Aidan doesn't even come close to Guy at carrying off Mitchell with his whole persona etc. And though I didn't really like Andrea, I could have put up with her, whereas Lenora really has "teenified" Annie! Like someone mentioned earlier, I bet they were ready to pass on Russel too until Russel T. Davies mentioned him. Now he's left to carry this show on his own. BBC3 insulting us and dumbing down.....
Sam Dellaway, Croydon, on January 19th, 2009
I'm buzzin that Russell Tovey is still in this but I am SO gutted over the changes they are making. ER HELLO! The pilot was a major success for a REASON!! WHY have they messed with it?? And all this "younger" bull, I mean I'm 29 and my 16 year old nephew, both of us LOVED the pilot! How can the BBC just assume that we can erase something we highly enjoyed to just accept this "new" show! I think this is going to be just another HUGE mistake on the beeb's part, something they seem to be doing a lot lately!!! Bring the pilot's plot and actors back and you have a winner!
I'm buzzin that Russell Tovey is still in this but I am SO gutted over the changes they are making. ER HELLO! The pilot was a major success for a REASON!! WHY have they messed with it?? And all this "younger" bull, I mean I'm 29 and my 16 year old nephew, both of us LOVED the pilot! How can the BBC just assume that we can erase something we highly enjoyed to just accept this "new" show! I think this is going to be just another HUGE mistake on the beeb's part, something they seem to be doing a lot lately!!! Bring the pilot's plot and actors back and you have a winner!
Arran, Portsmouth, on January 5th, 2009
I agree with the consenses here really. was really hoping they would produce a full series of this, and loved the cast and tone of the show as it was. Im 24, and BBC 3 is really a twenty something sort of channel after the watershed. I thought that the pilot was ideal. It wasnt "too old" at all. Im just hoping this doesn't become something like "Merlin" or god forbid, that awful "Demons" thing on ITV I saw last night. The sub plot of vampire supremecy was perfect why ruin it? To be honest I think they are going to try and recreat that crappy film/book that has been a huge hit this winter (some 'veggie' vampire/teen romance crap). I really hope not.
I agree with the consenses here really. was really hoping they would produce a full series of this, and loved the cast and tone of the show as it was. Im 24, and BBC 3 is really a twenty something sort of channel after the watershed. I thought that the pilot was ideal. It wasnt "too old" at all. Im just hoping this doesn't become something like "Merlin" or god forbid, that awful "Demons" thing on ITV I saw last night. The sub plot of vampire supremecy was perfect why ruin it? To be honest I think they are going to try and recreat that crappy film/book that has been a huge hit this winter (some 'veggie' vampire/teen romance crap). I really hope not.
Kate, Aberdeen, on December 24th, 2008
Like the look of the new cast of Being Human. Very glad Russell Tovey still there and the new vampire looks right. However, not reshowing the pilot!! Hope that doesn't mean ever because I loved it and I do hope the reworking excuse isn't just another way of saying dumbing down.
Like the look of the new cast of Being Human. Very glad Russell Tovey still there and the new vampire looks right. However, not reshowing the pilot!! Hope that doesn't mean ever because I loved it and I do hope the reworking excuse isn't just another way of saying dumbing down.
Anna Lawrence, Oxford, on November 19th, 2008
Well, that's just brilliant. Take all the things people liked about the show and dump them. Nice going!
Well, that's just brilliant. Take all the things people liked about the show and dump them. Nice going!
Koy Spencer, Greenford Ealing, London, on November 8th, 2008
I am a fan of Russell Tovey and so, when I found out he was in Being Human (all the way back in February), I was excited about the show, especially as science fiction/fantasy are my favourite genres. When I watched the pilot, I was blown away, everything just worked, the chemistry between the 3 main stars was amazing. I waited for ages for some news on the show and, was relieved to find out that Tovey was confirmed however, I am extremely worried about the new cast members (I thought that Guy and Andrea were perfect as Mitchell and Annie). I will definitely watch the series though. P.S. what the hell was the producer talking about Being Human being ''too old'' for BBC Three's target audience, I'm only 16 and I really don't think much people that are younger than me will be watching the show. Also, before I go, if the BBC turn this Rare Gem into High School Musical-esque fluff... HEADS WILL ROLL. lol
I am a fan of Russell Tovey and so, when I found out he was in Being Human (all the way back in February), I was excited about the show, especially as science fiction/fantasy are my favourite genres. When I watched the pilot, I was blown away, everything just worked, the chemistry between the 3 main stars was amazing. I waited for ages for some news on the show and, was relieved to find out that Tovey was confirmed however, I am extremely worried about the new cast members (I thought that Guy and Andrea were perfect as Mitchell and Annie). I will definitely watch the series though. P.S. what the hell was the producer talking about Being Human being ''too old'' for BBC Three's target audience, I'm only 16 and I really don't think much people that are younger than me will be watching the show. Also, before I go, if the BBC turn this Rare Gem into High School Musical-esque fluff... HEADS WILL ROLL. lol
Raj, Ipswich, on November 8th, 2008
These changes had better knock my socks off, because I'm completely dumbfounded as to why they've made the changes that they have made. As repeated by so many voices, what made the pilot so great was the brilliant chemistry that the actors created for their characters. Within a single pilot airing, people got to know these characters and, not to sound too corny, felt for them. The pilot had everything they needed: the right cast, an intriguing sub-plot, great music and setting. All they had to do was bottle it and make more. Instead they've gone and diluted it and got some prat from marketting to rebrand it. I'm so not amused. Typical of the BBC. They have a good idea and throw it away. I live in hope, as always. R
These changes had better knock my socks off, because I'm completely dumbfounded as to why they've made the changes that they have made. As repeated by so many voices, what made the pilot so great was the brilliant chemistry that the actors created for their characters. Within a single pilot airing, people got to know these characters and, not to sound too corny, felt for them. The pilot had everything they needed: the right cast, an intriguing sub-plot, great music and setting. All they had to do was bottle it and make more. Instead they've gone and diluted it and got some prat from marketting to rebrand it. I'm so not amused. Typical of the BBC. They have a good idea and throw it away. I live in hope, as always. R
Koy Spencer, Greenford Ealing, London, on November 5th, 2008
I am a fan of Russell Tovey and so, when I found out he was in Being Human (all the way back in February), I was excited about the show, especially as science fiction is my favourite genre. When I watched the pilot, I was blown away, everything just worked, the chemistry between the 3 main stars was amazing. I waited for ages for some news and, was relieved to find out that Tovey was confirmed however, i am extremely ''iffy'' about the new cast members (I thought that Guy and Andrea were perfect as Mitchell and Annie). I will definitely watch the series though. P.S. what the hell was the producer talking about BH being ''too old'' for BBC Three's target audience, I'm only 16 and I really don't think much people that are younger than me will be watching the show. Also, before I go, if the BBC turn this Rare Gem into high school musical-esque fluff... HEADS WILL ROLL. lol
I am a fan of Russell Tovey and so, when I found out he was in Being Human (all the way back in February), I was excited about the show, especially as science fiction is my favourite genre. When I watched the pilot, I was blown away, everything just worked, the chemistry between the 3 main stars was amazing. I waited for ages for some news and, was relieved to find out that Tovey was confirmed however, i am extremely ''iffy'' about the new cast members (I thought that Guy and Andrea were perfect as Mitchell and Annie). I will definitely watch the series though. P.S. what the hell was the producer talking about BH being ''too old'' for BBC Three's target audience, I'm only 16 and I really don't think much people that are younger than me will be watching the show. Also, before I go, if the BBC turn this Rare Gem into high school musical-esque fluff... HEADS WILL ROLL. lol
Richard, Bristol, England, on November 5th, 2008
They're filming this a couple of streets away from my house right now as I type.
They're filming this a couple of streets away from my house right now as I type.
Richard Johsnon, Halesowen, on November 5th, 2008
I loved the pilot episode, and I'm glad the show has been granted a full-season pick-up... but at what cost? It certainly sounds as though everything fans liked about the pilot episode has been re-vamped (excuse the pun) to cater to what the producers believe the BBC want. (I'm sure they would have got rid of Russell Tovey as well if Russell T. Davies hadn't cited him for bigger and better things.)
I loved the pilot episode, and I'm glad the show has been granted a full-season pick-up... but at what cost? It certainly sounds as though everything fans liked about the pilot episode has been re-vamped (excuse the pun) to cater to what the producers believe the BBC want. (I'm sure they would have got rid of Russell Tovey as well if Russell T. Davies hadn't cited him for bigger and better things.)
Mark L., USA , on November 4th, 2008
I hope this goes to DVD. Sounds interesting and might be worth to get so we can see it in the US
I hope this goes to DVD. Sounds interesting and might be worth to get so we can see it in the US
Nickey, Oxford, on November 4th, 2008
Great. I was excited as well when I'd heard the pilot was finally being made into a show - I loved the pilot - but now to be told that essentially what made the pilot great has all been scrapped and 'this is essentially a new show' - what is the f**king point of that? And as for being told the pilot 'skewed too old' - my god, am I fed up with being told I'm too old to be the target audience. I'm 40, and believe me I have a lot more disposable income than some teenager flipping burgers. The original cast had perfect chemistry, and believe me, I'm going to really miss Guy Flanagan. I *know* he was passed on, and I think it's a crying shame.
Great. I was excited as well when I'd heard the pilot was finally being made into a show - I loved the pilot - but now to be told that essentially what made the pilot great has all been scrapped and 'this is essentially a new show' - what is the f**king point of that? And as for being told the pilot 'skewed too old' - my god, am I fed up with being told I'm too old to be the target audience. I'm 40, and believe me I have a lot more disposable income than some teenager flipping burgers. The original cast had perfect chemistry, and believe me, I'm going to really miss Guy Flanagan. I *know* he was passed on, and I think it's a crying shame.
Mac, California, on November 4th, 2008
I was dying to watch the pilot of this show, and finally managed to snag a copy here in the states. I really enjoyed it and the casting. I find it incredible that they've decided to go with this direction considering the fuss people made about wanting a full series. It's like a group of folks saying they want chocolate ice cream and the store clerk saying "I understand that, here have the vanilla". Granted, I know nothing about BBC 3 as I don't get it here, but their logic still seems weak.
I was dying to watch the pilot of this show, and finally managed to snag a copy here in the states. I really enjoyed it and the casting. I find it incredible that they've decided to go with this direction considering the fuss people made about wanting a full series. It's like a group of folks saying they want chocolate ice cream and the store clerk saying "I understand that, here have the vanilla". Granted, I know nothing about BBC 3 as I don't get it here, but their logic still seems weak.
Amy, Manchester, on November 4th, 2008
I'm really not looking forward to this series with all the changes they've revealed. The pilot was perfect - which is why there was a campaign for a series and why it was commissioned. So, basically, what was the point of pilot?
I'm really not looking forward to this series with all the changes they've revealed. The pilot was perfect - which is why there was a campaign for a series and why it was commissioned. So, basically, what was the point of pilot?
Rachel, Coventry, on November 4th, 2008
Oh brilliant! I'm so pleased they decided to make this into a full series. I watched this and loved it and then when i was raving about it no one had seen it and everyone thought i'd made it up. Bit gutted about them losing Guy Flanaghan, i thought he was really good as Mitchell, very mysterious and sexy. I look forward to it :-)
Oh brilliant! I'm so pleased they decided to make this into a full series. I watched this and loved it and then when i was raving about it no one had seen it and everyone thought i'd made it up. Bit gutted about them losing Guy Flanaghan, i thought he was really good as Mitchell, very mysterious and sexy. I look forward to it :-)
Gemi, London, on November 4th, 2008
I'm glad I recorded the pilot - which I loved, was really looking forward to this, so its disappointing news really. I'm not surprised it was too high quality all round for BBC 3. Hopefully this will still be ok. Although I'm probably too old for it now.
I'm glad I recorded the pilot - which I loved, was really looking forward to this, so its disappointing news really. I'm not surprised it was too high quality all round for BBC 3. Hopefully this will still be ok. Although I'm probably too old for it now.
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I am really disappointed to see the cast change. I was really looking forward to seeing the true/original actors - BUMMER The hot vampire, the pretty ghost & the very "down to earth/shy" werewolf. They really had great chemistry! Really wish they'd bring them back!!