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Richard Gadd and Jamie Bell to star in new BBC One drama 'Half Man'

Written and created by Richard Gadd, Half Man will air in 2026.


Today BBC One has announced that their new drama Half Man, written and created by Richard Gadd will also see him starring in the six-part series alongside Jamie Bell.


Half Man follows estranged ‘brothers’ Niall played by Jamie Bell, and Ruben played by Richard Gadd. When Ruben shows up unexpectedly at Niall’s wedding, it leads to an explosion of violence that catapults us back through their lives.


Spanning almost 40 years from the 1980s to the present day, this ambitious series will cover the highs and lows of the brothers' relationship, from them meeting as teenagers to their falling out as adults, with all the good, bad, terrible, funny, angry, and challenging moments along the way.


Half Man promises to capture the wild energy of a changing city, a changing world even, and try to get to the bottom of the difficult question... What does it mean to be a man?


Speaking about Half Man, creator, writer, star and executive producer Richard Gadd said "I am delighted to confirm I will be playing Ruben in the newly crowned Half Man for the BBC/HBO alongside the incomparable Jamie Bell. When I wrote the show, I did it with him in mind, never thinking for a second we would manage to land him."


"So I could not be happier for everything that has come to pass in getting him on board. He is one of the greatest actors of his generation and I am so looking forward to seeing what he does with the role. Thanks to all the staff at the BBC, HBO, and Mam Tor Productions for making it all happen. I cannot wait to work with you all in the months ahead."


To which fco-star Jamie Bell added "I’m so excited to join this incredible creative team. Richard has once again crafted something poignant and singular. I’m honored to have been asked to bring this to life with him."


Created by Mam Tor Productions (a Banijay UK company) in a co-production with HBO, Half Man will commence filming in 2025 in Scotland and be produced by Wendy Griffin with Alexandra Brodski and directed by Eshref Reybrouck.


It'll be executive produced by Richard Gadd alongside Tally Garner and Morven Reid from Mam Tor Productions, Gaynor Holmes for the BBC and Gavin Smith for BBC Scotland.


Speaking on today's casting news, Tally Garner & Morven Reid from Mam Tor Productions said "We are thrilled that the extraordinary talent that is Richard Gadd has agreed to play Ruben in Half Man, and are overjoyed to have found the perfect Niall in the exquisite Jamie Bell. We cannot wait to see these incredible actors spar, as they bring these complex, charismatic and mercurial men to life."


And the BBC's Director of Drama, Lindsay Salt, added "It's been such a privilege to see Half Man take shape, and to know that cameras will be rolling soon. In Richard Gadd and Jamie Bell we have the perfect Ruben and Niall - two characters like no other, whose epic journey through the decades we can't wait to have on the BBC."


BBC Scotland's Head of Commissioning, Louise Thornton, said "Half Man is a brilliant example of BBC Scotland’s ambition to bring high quality drama, rooted in Scotland, to audiences in Scotland, the UK and the world. We’re delighted to be announcing this exciting casting news today and look forward to seeing Richard and Jamie bring these complex and powerful characters to life."


To which Kara Buckley, Senior Vice President HBO Drama Programming, added "Like so many others, we were wowed by Richard Gadd's acting prowess in ‘Baby Reindeer’, and have long admired Jamie Bell. We simply can’t think of a better duo to bring this powerful story to life."


Half Man will air in 2026 on BBC One

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