BBC Northern Ireland’s new adaptation hailed as "exquisite" boasts a "top tier cast"

Leonard and Hungry Paul, the new series from BBC Northern Ireland, has confirmed its “top tier” cast.

The six-part comedy, based on Rónán Hession’s 2021 novel of the same name, follows two “unique” friends as they “meander” through their “leafy suburban lives”, charting a story about “Judo, ancient Rome, first loves, and the expansion of the Universe.”

The series, which recently commenced filming in Dublin, boasts a “top tier” cast including Derry Girls‘ Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, The End of the F***ing World‘s Alex Lawther and Fool Me Once star Laurie Kynaston.

Hession’s novel, which was dubbed “exquisite” by a reviewer on Amazon, will be adapted by Richie Conroy and Mark Hodkinson, with Andrew Chaplin – best known for Alma’s Not Normal and Smoggie Queens – on directing duties.

“I am delighted to see Leonard and Hungry Paul being adapted for the screen,” said Hession of the series. “It’s a real privilege as a writer to see my work being brought to life in a different creative form.”

erin (saoirse monica jackson), orla (louisa harland) and clare (nicola coughlan), michelle (jamie lee o'donnell) james (dylan llewellyn).

Channel 4

“At a time when most shows involve dragons, detectives, or existential dread, Leonard and Hungry Paul takes a slower route – through kindness, the quiet gravity of small things, and the occasional game of backgammon,” added Chaplin. “Proof that not all heroes shout – some just know when to stay quiet.”

Eddie Doyle, Senior Head of Content Commissioning, BBC Northern Ireland, also shared a statement, saying: “This series promises something special and is full of charm and poignant moments that encapsulate ordinary life. With a stellar cast bringing this acclaimed novel to the screen, it will make an exciting addition to BBC Northern Ireland’s offering this year.”

“Leonard and Hungry Paul is the story of two friends who ordinarily would remain uncelebrated,” reads the logline for the novel. “It finds a value and specialness in them that is not immediately apparent and prompts the idea that maybe we could learn from the people that we overlook in life.

Alex Lawther

Getty Images

“Leonard and Hungry Paul change the world differently to the rest of us: we try and change it by effort and force; they change it by discovering the small things they can do well and offering them to others.”

In addition to being called “exquisite” by one reader, Leonard and Hungry Paul was similarly lauded by others for its feel-good nature, with one user describing the novel as a “pleasant, diverting read” which was “suffused with gentle good humour and likeable characters”.

Leonard and Hungry Paul currently has no release date.

Digital Spy’s first print magazine is here! Buy British Comedy Legends in newsagents or online, now priced at just £3.99.

All-new Amazon Echo Dot (4th gen) | Smart speaker with Alexa | Charcoal