“A perfect balance of joy, relentless jokes and brilliant characters. Just like Alma, the show is anything but normal”
Written by and starring comedian Sophie Willan, the semi-autobiographical Alma’s Not Normal follows the titular character in the throes of a break-up, with no job or qualifications, and a heroin-addicted mother.
Produced by Expectation, the series explores some tough subjects for a sitcom, including poverty, growing up in care, addiction, homelessness, mental health and sex work, “in a way that is totally joyous, wholly honest, and incredibly believable”, according to one judge, who said they hadn’t seen anything like it before.
“While raging at the system, Willan has created loveable, vulnerable and hilarious characters who will stay with you for a long time afterwards and truly make you think.”
Another judge said the show tells a “compelling story in a truly original way”, with a “perfect balance of joy, relentless jokes, brilliant characters, cast and performances”.
“Just like Alma, the show is anything but normal,” added another. “It’s really special – moving, innovative and very, very funny.”
The use of local actors adds authenticity to the series, which is set in Willan’s home town of Bolton, while local care leavers – adults who had spent time in care – were given opportunities to fill production roles.
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We Are Lady Parts
Working Title & Universal International Studios for Channel 4
In Nida Manzoor’s subversive six-part musical comedy, PhD student Amima is persuaded to join a Muslim female punk band as their unlikely lead guitarist. Judges said the show challenges cultural norms and redefines how Muslim women are represented on screen.
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Dreaming Whilst Black
Big Deal Films for BBC
Adjani Salmon introduced himself as a major new talent in this adaptation of his semi-autobiographical web series, which tells the story of an aspiring film-maker, with unflinching and witty observations on racism in the film industry. The producers championed marginalised voices on and off screen, with 80% of the cast and crew from diverse backgrounds.
Ghosts
Monumental Television in association with Them There for BBC
Ghosts reached new highs in 2021, with the series three launch racking up 4.3 million viewers in a week – the family sitcom’s biggest audience to date. The series delves deeper into the characters’ back stories, with poignant moments between the belly laughs.
This tragicomic BBC3 single tells the story of an Edinburgh woman reunited with the daughter she gave up for adoption. Created and written by Kirstie Swain, our judges said it challenges societal assumptions about motherhood.
Rose Matafeo’s six-part rom-com has had more than three million requests on BBC iPlayer, while its Monday night BBC1 TX reached around 900,000 viewers each week. Unsurprisingly, a second series was swiftly ordered.
Award sponsored by Pinewood TV Studios
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