Changing Ends: cast, first look and all we know about Alan Carr's comedy

Everyone's favorite Chatty Man is venturing into sitcom territory as Alan Carr stars in Changing Ends, a brand-new autobiographical comedy for ITVX and ITV1. Here's what we know so far...

When does it start?

Changing Ends starts on Thursday June 1, premiering first on ITV's new streaming service, ITVX. 

The show - comprised of six 30-minute episodes - is co-written by Alan and Two Doors Down creator Simon Carlyle, and is being made by Steve Coogan's production company Baby Cow.

What is it about?

Changing Ends is based on Alan’s own life growing up as a gay teenager in Northampton in the 1980s while his father was manager of a fourth-division football team. 

The comedy is more than just a trip down memory lane, it’s a love letter to a time and a town where things weren’t always so inclusive. Told with warmth and wit, it follows Alan’s journey through puberty, adolescence and self-discovery, all against the backdrop of Thatcher's Britain.

Recounting Alan's sexual awakenings, his daily battle with bullies and navigating the highs and lows of fourth-division football, as Alan explains:

"Changing Ends tells the story of my dad, Graham Carr, who was manager of fourth division Northampton Town - nicknamed The Cobblers - a football team bottom of the league and facing relegation. However, as his son, I thought football was boring and only liked country dancing! 

"As a kid, I was picked on for EVERYTHING! I was camp, I had goofy teeth and wore glasses and, at 13, I already had a receding hairline. So I was getting bullied for all that AND my dad's awful football results!"

Who's in the cast?

Alan will star in the series as himself in the present day, with rising star Oliver Savell taking on the role of Young Alan. 

How was 'Young Alan' chosen?

Last year, Alan kicked off a huge talent search on Twitter for young actors to audition to play him as a youngster.

Appearing in the online video, Alan said: "I've been developing a sitcom based on my life, with Baby Cow, about me growing up in the 80s in Northampton. And, guess what? We need to cast a young Alan. So we're looking for a young boy, 10 to 13. Someone who has my energy, my charisma."

Alan urged auditionees to: "Put your fake comedy teeth and glasses away. We don't want a caricature. This is about a young boy on the cusp of puberty starting his journey in this very masculine world of lower league football".

Almost 500 audition tapes were sent in but, says Alan: 'There was one boy who really stood out from the rest'. Here's a clip of the moment Alan surprised Belfast youngster Oliver Savell with the news in person...

Is Oliver convincing as Young Alan?

Alan Carr himself certainly thinks so. Recalling a point during filming, Alan says: 

"Ollie gives such a wonderful performance; so intelligent and emotional and he can really deliver a line. He’s so talented and is gonna have an amazing career.

"Ollie was filming a scene one day and I was watching on a monitor and started to cry because all the memories came back. But, don’t worry, the show isn’t a misery-fest!"

Who else is among the cast?

Also joining the cast are Jamestown's Shaun Dooley and West End star Nancy Sullivan playing Alan’s parents Graham and Christine, 

"Shaun was very method when it came to playing my dad," says Alan. "He wanted to know what kind of watch he wore and what his favourite aftershave was, and studied his accent and walk. Nancy just stood out from the rest. As soon as I saw her, I said: 'That's my mum!'"

Alan’s neighbors Charlie and Angela are played by Rourke Mooney and Gabby Best, with Harry Peacock as Nigel. 

Guest stars include David Mumeni as Mr Chapman and Michael Socha as Adam.

How does Alan feel about having his early life appear on the small screen?

Alan says: "Well, if someone had told little old me back in Northampton in the mid-80s that ITV would give me my own sitcom based on my life I would have choked on my Flumps. Super proud that I can share my story with you — expect lots of giggles, pathos and nostalgia and believe it or not football — who knew?!"

Baby Cow's co-founder and creative director Steve Coogan adds: "I remember Alan working with Baby Cow 20 years ago and he arrived fully formed with an elemental Alan Carr-ness that was self-assured and hilarious. Changing Ends is the story of who he was before he knew who he was.

"Shot through with his irrepressible wit and charm, it's an honest, tender and brilliantly funny account of his teenage years that we think is quite special. He’ll go far."

For more on-set gossip, this featurette goes behind the scenes of the sitcom:

Is there a trailer for Changing Ends?

There sure is! Here's a teaser to whet your appetite: