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The Cockfields
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| The Cockfields | |
|---|---|
Series 1 cast | |
| Genre | Sitcom |
| Created by | |
| Directed by | Steve Bendelack |
| Starring | |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language | English |
| No. of series | 2 |
| No. of episodes | 10 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Producer | John Rushton |
| Running time | 30 minutes |
| Production company | Yellow Door Productions |
| Original release | |
| Network | Gold |
| Release | 12 November 2019 – 13 December 2021 |
The Cockfields is a British television sitcom created by Joe Wilkinson and David Earl, and produced by Yellow Door Productions for Gold. It aired over two series from 12 November 2019 until 12 November 2021, including a Christmas special, for a total of 10 episodes. The first series was shown on BBC Two in March 2023 followed by its second in February 2025. Set on the Isle of Wight, it stars Wilkinson as Simon and Diane Morgan as his girlfriend Donna. The show begins with Simon and Donna returning to Simon's home to visit his family for his fortieth birthday. Sue Johnston plays Simon's mother Sue, Bobby Ball as his stepfather Ray, and Ben Rufus Green as his stepbrother David. The cast also includes Nigel Havers as Larry (Simon's father), and Sarah Parish as Melissa (Larry's girlfriend).[1][2]
Series 2 commenced with Simon again visiting the Isle of Wight, this time with new fiancée Esther (Susannah Fielding). Gregor Fisher takes over the role of Ray,[3] following the death of Bobby Ball in October 2020.
A Christmas special was broadcast on 13 December 2021.
Cast and characters
[edit]- Joe Wilkinson as Simon
- Diane Morgan as Donna (series 1)
- Susannah Fielding as Esther (series 2)
- Sue Johnston as Sue
- Maggie Steed Lyn (series 1)
- Michele Dotrice Lyn (series 2)
- Bobby Ball as Ray (series 1)
- Gregor Fisher as Ray (series 2)
- Ben Rufus Green as David
- Jeff Mirza as Andre (series 1)
- Nigel Havers as Larry
- Sarah Parish as Melissa
Episodes
[edit]Series 1 (2019)
[edit]| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | UK viewers (millions) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "Friday" | Steve Bendelack | Joe Wilkinson & David Earl | 12 November 2019 | N/A | |
|
On Friday, Simon and his new girlfriend Donna arrive on the Isle of Wight to stay with Simon's overbearing family for his 40th birthday weekend celebrations. | |||||||
| 2 | 2 | "Saturday" | Steve Bendelack | Joe Wilkinson & David Earl | 13 November 2019 | N/A | |
|
On Saturday, the family visit Aunty Rose in the nursing home and have a nose at Alan Titchmarsh's house. Back home, Donna risks everything by suggesting she makes the tea to give Simon's mother Sue a break. | |||||||
| 3 | 3 | "Sunday" | Steve Bendelack | Joe Wilkinson & David Earl | 14 November 2019 | N/A | |
|
Sunday is Simon's 40th birthday. Preparations for the lunch are in full swing but the stress levels are sky high. Simon's father Larry and Larry's partner Melissa disrupt the day. Simon shares some big news with his stepfather Ray. | |||||||
Series 2 (2021)
[edit]| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | UK viewers (millions) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 1 | "Wednesday" | Simon Hynd | Joe Wilkinson & David Earl | 8 November 2021 | N/A | |
|
Simon and Esther are engaged and it's the first day of their budget summer holiday on the Isle of Wight, staying in Sue and Ray's new house. | |||||||
| 5 | 2 | "Thursday" | Simon Hynd | Joe Wilkinson & David Earl | 8 November 2021 | N/A | |
|
Ray, Sue, Simon and Esther all go to Ventnor. Back at the house Esther has a quiet chat with David asking about his love life and she gives him a few tips. | |||||||
| 6 | 3 | "Friday" | Simon Hynd | Joe Wilkinson & David Earl | 9 November 2021 | N/A | |
|
Simon and Ray head to the nursing home to see Rose, while Sue and Esther mind Sue's stall at the Craft Fayre together. | |||||||
| 7 | 4 | "Saturday" | Simon Hynd | Joe Wilkinson & David Earl | 10 November 2021 | N/A | |
|
Simon goes on a bike ride with Larry while Esther spends the day with Sue, fielding questions about the wedding. Esther helps David get ready for his date. | |||||||
| 8 | 5 | "Sunday" | Simon Hynd | Joe Wilkinson & David Earl | 11 November 2021 | N/A | |
|
Ray teaches David and Simon how to bowl, while Sue tries to plan for Christmas. Esther's conversation with Lyn leads to a drastic decision. | |||||||
| 9 | 6 | "Monday" | Simon Hynd | Joe Wilkinson & David Earl | 12 November 2021 | N/A | |
|
Simon and Esther decide to keep their news a secret from his parents. Simon and Sue get into an argument at dinner. | |||||||
Christmas special (2021)
[edit]| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | UK viewers (millions) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | – | "Christmas Special" | Simon Hynd | Joe Wilkinson & David Earl | 13 December 2021 | N/A | |
|
It's 27 December and Simon and Esther pay a flying visit to Ray and Sue. They can only stay for the day as Simon is so busy with work. Sue wishes they'd stay longer. A reunion at the local pub reminds Simon of what he might be missing. | |||||||
References
[edit]- ^ "The Cockfields | Gold". gold.uktv.co.uk. Retrieved 10 January 2020.
- ^ "The Cockfields – Gold Sitcom". British Comedy Guide. Retrieved 10 January 2020.
- ^ "The Cockfields | Gold". gold.uktv.co.uk. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
External links
[edit]The Cockfields
View on GrokipediaPremise and format
Plot summary
The Cockfields is a British sitcom centered on Simon, a 40-year-old man who returns to his family home on the rural Isle of Wight, bringing his girlfriend along for increasingly tense family visits.[2] In the first series, Simon introduces his girlfriend Donna to his overbearing mother Sue, distant stepfather Ray, and eccentric stepbrother David during a weekend marking his 40th birthday, where well-intentioned but intrusive relatives amplify the awkwardness of the gathering. The isolated setting of the family home heightens the sense of claustrophobia as minor misunderstandings escalate into comedic chaos among the group.[2] Across the series, the narrative evolves through recurring family dynamics, with Sue's smothering affection clashing against Ray's detachment and the unpredictable interventions of extended relatives, all contributing to Simon's growing discomfort. In the second series, Simon, now engaged to his new partner Esther, attempts a budget summer holiday at the family's newly built home on the Isle of Wight, only for similar familial tensions to resurface amid celebrations and surprises.[6] A 2021 Christmas special further extends these misadventures during holiday festivities at the family home.[2] This progression from a birthday surprise to an engagement getaway and Christmas gathering underscores the persistent comedic friction of Simon's attempts to navigate adult relationships within his unchanging family environment.[7]Themes and style
The Cockfields employs a comedic style that blends cringe comedy with awkward family realism and elements of black humor, drawing inspiration from British sitcom traditions such as Gavin & Stacey.[8] This approach manifests through cringe-inducing dialogue and social faux pas, capturing the discomfort of everyday interactions within a dysfunctional household.[9] The series' humor is dialogue-driven, crafted by creators Joe Wilkinson and David Earl, who infuse conversations with authentic, observational wit that highlights petty feuds and overbearing hospitality.[10] Central themes revolve around family dysfunction and generational clashes, particularly the unease of adult children returning home and navigating strained relationships.[11] These motifs underscore the discomfort inherent in familial obligations, where love is often expressed indirectly through conversational tics and quirky habits rather than overt affection.[11] Subtle poignancy emerges in the portrayal of these dynamics, balancing humor with emotional depth to reveal underlying tenderness amid the chaos.[10] The format consists of 30-minute episodes centered on a single-location focus, primarily the family home, which allows for escalating absurdity in interactions without relying on extensive plot progression.[8] Visually and tonally, the mundane setting of the Isle of Wight amplifies the everyday awkwardness, with its scenic yet ordinary backdrop—featuring chalk cliffs and rolling fields—contrasting the domestic absurdities unfolding indoors.[10] This choice creates a warm yet dark tone, akin to influences like The Royle Family and Mum, where gentle humor coexists with black-hearted social commentary.[11][10]Production
Development
The Cockfields was created by comedians Joe Wilkinson and David Earl, who served as co-writers and drew heavily from their personal family experiences to craft the series' narrative.[12][13] The show's inspirations stem from autobiographical elements in Wilkinson's life, including the awkward dynamics of family gatherings, blended with Earl's own relatives' traits to create relatable characters.[13] Set on the Isle of Wight, the location was chosen partly due to Wilkinson's wife growing up there and Earl having grandparents from the island, which amplified themes of emotional and physical confinement during family visits.[12] The writing process involved close collaboration between Wilkinson and Earl, who used software like WriterDuet for simultaneous drafting and spent time discussing family anecdotes to build authentic scenarios.[12] The series was commissioned by UKTV's Gold channel and produced by Yellow Door Productions, with an initial order for a three-part, 30-minute episode run announced in June 2019.[14][15][16] Following the success of the first series, Gold renewed the show for a full six-episode second series and a Christmas special, both airing in 2021.[17] In 2023, the series was acquired by the BBC, with the first series airing on BBC Two in March 2023; as of 2025, the full series became available on BBC iPlayer from January 22, Series 2 aired on BBC Two starting January 29, and the Christmas special aired on December 25.[18][19] Filming for the debut series commenced later in 2019, directed by Steve Bendelack, while series two and the holiday episode were helmed by Simon Hynd.[14][20] No significant awards or nominations occurred during the pre-production phase.[12]Casting
The lead role of Simon was created for and played by Joe Wilkinson, who co-wrote the series and starred as the protagonist throughout both runs.[21] Diane Morgan was cast as Donna, Simon's girlfriend in the first series, bringing her established comedic timing from prior roles in British television.[22] Sue Johnston portrayed Sue, the matriarch of the Cockfield family, drawing on her experience in ensemble comedies like The Royle Family.[23] Nigel Havers was selected for the role of Larry, Simon's flamboyant father, adding a layer of established dramatic and comedic presence to the family dynamic.[20] Supporting roles included Bobby Ball as Ray, Sue's husband, in the first series; Ball's performance was noted for its authentic portrayal of a working-class patriarch before his death from COVID-19 complications in October 2020.[24] For the second series, Gregor Fisher stepped in to play the role of Ray, ensuring continuity amid the cast change, with announcements highlighting his suitability from iconic roles like Rab C. Nesbitt. Ben Rufus Green was cast as David, Simon's awkward brother, appearing across both series and contributing to the show's focus on familial tensions.[25] A notable casting adjustment occurred for the role of Melissa, Larry's younger girlfriend: Kim Cattrall was originally announced in June 2019 but withdrew later that month due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts, prompting producers to recast with Sarah Parish, known from Bancroft and W1A.[26] For the second series, Susannah Fielding joined as Esther, Simon's new partner, expanding the ensemble with her background in comedies like This Time with Alan Partridge.[27] Guest appearances, such as Nigel Havers' recurring turn as Larry, exemplified the production's approach to casting, which prioritized veteran British comedy talents like Johnston, Ball, and Fisher to ground the series in authentic, relatable humor reflective of UK family dynamics.[22] Casting announcements began in June 2019 with the initial lineup, including the Cattrall reveal, followed by Parish's confirmation and a fuller cast reveal in November 2019 ahead of the series debut.[28] Post-2020 adjustments for the second series were revealed in May 2021, incorporating Fisher's replacement and Fielding's addition to maintain narrative flow after Ball's passing.Cast and characters
Main cast
The main cast of The Cockfields revolves around the Cockfield family, portraying a blend of awkward familial tensions, overbearing affection, and sibling rivalry set against the backdrop of the Isle of Wight.[2] The series highlights Simon's struggles within this dynamic, with his mother providing constant doting interference, his stepfather offering gruff detachment, his stepbrother fueling competition, and his girlfriend serving as a grounded outsider.[11] Joe Wilkinson plays Simon, the awkward protagonist and adult son who navigates the pressures of family expectations and his romantic relationship during visits home for milestones like his 40th birthday.[4] As the central figure, Simon often finds himself infantilized and overwhelmed by his relatives' well-intentioned but chaotic involvement in his life.[11] Diane Morgan portrays Donna in series 1, Simon's pragmatic girlfriend who acts as an outsider to the Cockfield family's eccentricities, providing a voice of reason amid the domestic turmoil.[26] Her character highlights the contrast between Simon's normal aspirations and the family's overbearing normalcy.[8] Sue Johnston stars as Sue, Simon's overbearing and doting mother who frequently infantilizes him through excessive care and mediation in family conflicts.[11] Sue's peacemaking tendencies often enable the household's dysfunction while smothering Simon's independence.[29] Bobby Ball plays Ray in series 1, the gruff and distant stepfather figure whose controlling demeanor adds tension to the family interactions.[30] Following Ball's passing, Gregor Fisher assumes the role of Ray in series 2, maintaining the character's brusque, Lancastrian edge as Simon's reluctant paternal authority.[24] Ben Rufus Green depicts David, Simon's more successful stepbrother and a key source of sibling rivalry within the household.[11] David's presence underscores Simon's insecurities, as he represents the family's unattained stability and achievement.[31]Recurring and guest cast
Maggie Steed plays Lyn in series 1 and Michele Dotrice in series 2, Simon's aunt who appears in multiple episodes, adding to the family dynamics with her eccentric personality.[32][25] Sarah Parish portrays Melissa, the girlfriend of Simon's father Larry, appearing in three episodes of the series. Her character introduces a sophisticated, career-oriented perspective that contrasts sharply with the family's everyday dysfunction, heightening the comedic awkwardness during family visits. Parish stepped into the role after Kim Cattrall exited due to scheduling conflicts.[26][32] Nigel Havers plays Larry, Simon's flamboyant biological father, who recurs in three episodes, including the Christmas special, as an eccentric presence whose self-absorbed antics disrupt family harmony and provide opportunities for exaggerated relational humor.[32][33] Susannah Fielding appears as Esther, Simon's fiancée introduced in series 2, contributing romantic subplot tension through her laid-back demeanor amid the family's overbearing dynamics; she features in six episodes overall.[27][31] The series incorporates various guest performers as Isle of Wight locals and extended relatives to bolster ensemble comedy, such as David Earl as John, a quirky acquaintance who appears in three episodes to amplify the small-town absurdity and provide comic relief via his intrusive familiarity.[25][31] Additional one-off guests, including Jeff Mirza as Andre in three episodes, further emphasize the show's reliance on peripheral characters for situational exaggeration, typically appearing in 2-5 episodes to support the core family narrative without driving main arcs.[32]Episodes
Series 1 (2019)
The first series of The Cockfields comprises three episodes broadcast on UKTV Gold, premiering on 12 November 2019 and concluding on 14 November 2019, with each installment running for approximately 30 minutes.[34][4] The episodes focus on the initial family visit during Simon's 40th birthday weekend on the Isle of Wight, introducing Donna to the Cockfields and highlighting the awkward dynamics, including the first meeting with the overbearing relatives and the introduction of Simon's stepfather Ray, played by Bobby Ball.[4][35] Episode 1 (aired 12 November 2019) introduces Simon and his girlfriend Donna as they arrive at the family home for the birthday celebrations, setting the stage for escalating familial tensions and humorous misunderstandings from the outset.[35] The episode emphasizes the awkwardness of Donna's debut interaction with Simon's well-meaning but intrusive parents and extended family.[35] Episode 2 (aired 13 November 2019) follows the group as they visit Aunty Rose in a nursing home and peek at a neighbor's house, while back at home Donna attempts to contribute by offering to make tea, further amplifying the weekend's comedic discomfort.[36] Ray's presence adds to the lighthearted yet chaotic family atmosphere.[36] Episode 3 (aired 14 November 2019) builds to the climax of the birthday lunch preparations, which become increasingly stressful amid disruptions from relatives Larry and Melissa, culminating in Simon confiding in Ray about personal news.[37] The finale underscores the persistent awkwardness and relational strains introduced earlier in the series.[37]Series 2 (2021)
The second series of The Cockfields consists of six episodes, marking an expansion from the three episodes of the first series following its renewal due to positive reception.[2] It premiered on UKTV's Gold channel from 8 to 12 November 2021, airing nightly at 10:00 PM, and was subsequently broadcast on BBC Two starting 29 January 2025.[38] The series shifts focus to Simon's engagement to Esther, introducing new family tensions and adjustments amid a group holiday on the Isle of Wight, while reflecting subtle post-pandemic relational strains through confined family interactions and delayed celebrations.[7] The narrative centers on Simon (Joe Wilkinson) and his fiancée Esther (Susannah Fielding), who arrive at Sue (Sue Johnston) and Ray's (Gregor Fisher) newly purchased home for a budget summer getaway, evolving the family dynamics from the introductory chaos of the first series into deeper explorations of commitment, rivalry, and inheritance anxieties.[18] Ray's recasting with Gregor Fisher brings a gruffer, more exasperated paternal energy, amplifying sibling rivalries between Simon and his brother David (Ben Rufus Green), particularly over wedding plans and potential family expansions like a baby announcement.[39] Holiday mishaps, such as outings to Ventnor and bowling lessons, underscore the Cockfields' dysfunctional yet endearing bonds, with Esther's outsider perspective prompting awkward revelations about past relationships and future uncertainties.[40]| Episode | Title | Air Date (Gold) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wednesday | 8 November 2021 | Simon and Esther kick off their Isle of Wight holiday at Sue and Ray's new house, navigating initial engagement excitement and family scrutiny over wedding logistics.[18] |
| 2 | Thursday | 9 November 2021 | The group heads to Ventnor for a day trip, where Esther bonds with David over his romantic woes, while Ray's overbearing advice heightens tensions around family roles.[7] |
| 3 | Friday | 10 November 2021 | Sibling rivalries intensify during a casual evening, with discussions of engagements revealing underlying jealousies and hints at new family additions.[40] |
| 4 | Saturday | 11 November 2021 | Simon joins Larry for a biking outing, escaping family pressures but returning to confront wedding planning mishaps and Ray's meddling.[40] |
| 5 | Sunday | 12 November 2021 | Ray teaches the family bowling, leading to comedic holiday chaos that forces confrontations over commitments and culminates in tentative resolutions to ongoing rivalries.[40] |
| 6 | Monday | 12 November 2021 | The family lunch ends in acrimony; Simon and Esther decide to keep their news a secret from his parents, while Sue helps Simon with his indecision about Esther.[41] |
