Death in Paradise star's new TV series with Big Little Lies actor coming to BBC

May 2024 · 3 minute read

Death in Paradise star Ben Miller's new comedy series, , is coming to the BBC. 

The eight-parter, created by Ben and Darren Ashton, stars the former as popular children's author Julian Hartwood, whose career is jeopardised after he accidentally causes a social media storm. All hope seems lost until Julian's neurodivergent son Austin turns up out of the blue. 

WATCH: Ben Miller stars in comedy series, Austin

Starring alongside Ben in the series are Sally Phillips () as Julian's wife Ingrid, whose career is also threatened by the digital uproar, and Michael Theo (), who makes his acting debut as Austin. 

Gia Carides () and Roy Billing () also appear in the comedy. 

The official synopsis reads: "When much-loved children's author Julian Hartswood inadvertently causes a social media storm, his career and that of his illustrator wife Ingrid appears to be over. That is until Austin, the neurodivergent son that Julian never knew existed, turns up out of the blue. 

"Could embracing this modern nuclear family be Julian's route back from cancellation? Will Ingrid ever forgive him? One thing is for certain: if Julian thinks Austin is going to be a pushover, he's in for a rude awakening."

You may also like

The series aired in Australia earlier this year and has now been acquired by the BBC.

Head of BBC Programme Acquisition, Sue Deeks, described Austin as "irresistibly charming, humorous and heart-warming," and said viewers are sure to find the show "a sheer delight from start to finish". 

Meanwhile, Catherine Nebauer, the Head of Scripted at the show's production company, Northern Pictures, added: "BBC is the perfect platform for Austin and we have no doubts its viewers will appreciate the clever blend of British and Australian humour. With a stellar cast and production team, Austin has already proven to be a hit on ABC with local audiences and we can't wait to share it with the world."

Viewers will know its star and creator Ben for his roles in and of course,, in which he played DI Richard Poole.

Meanwhile, Sally has appeared in various comedy shows over the years, including and while Michael Theo rose to fame on the romantic docuseries,

A release date has yet to be announced.

Sign up to HELLO Daily! for the best royal, celebrity and lifestyle coverage

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qbHLpaammZeWx6q6xGeaqKVfm7atuY5wZ25taW18pbHArZ9moZ5ivaK%2BwJ2grJ1dqMGivoybnKdlnZ65rbHRZqWer12osrO1xKxknKednruoedOoZJuak2Q%3D