Industry

Fremantle and UK-based indie Fudge Park have secured a first-look development deal following the success of BBC One's breakout comedy Daddy Issues. Fremantle will serve as the primary partner for Fudge Park's upcoming scripted projects, with Fremantle’s Global Drama and International Distribution divisions supporting Fudge Park to expand its comedy and drama slate internationally.

The agreement, led by Jill Kellie (VP Commercial Strategy at Fremantle) and Jonathan Blyth (Managing Director at Fudge Park), cements the two companies’ relationship after their recent success on Daddy Issues. The series, which premiered in August on BBC Three and iPlayer, became the biggest new comedy launch for the channel this year and BBC Three’s top comedy since 2021. Praised as “a comedy for our time” by The Guardian, Daddy Issues was quickly renewed for a second season.

Set in Stockport, Daddy Issues follows Gemma (Aimee Lou Wood), who discovers she’s pregnant after a casual hook-up. With her sister in prison and her mother on a self-discovery journey, she turns to her father, Malcolm (David Morrissey), for support. The series finale saw Gemma giving birth surrounded by her friends, while Malcolm races to the hospital with his troublesome friend Derek (David Fynn). This heartfelt comedy, exploring family, relationships, and the realities of parenthood, was written by Danielle Ward (of Brassic fame) and directed by Damon Beesley (White Gold). The show’s production team includes Lynn Roberts (Man Like Mobeen) as producer and executive producers Aimee Lou Wood, David Morrissey, Danielle Ward, and Damon Beesley.

Jonathan Blyth of Fudge Park expressed his enthusiasm for the extended collaboration, noting Fremantle’s shared creative vision and commitment to Fudge Park’s unique storytelling approach. Fremantle’s Rebecca Dundon, SVP, Head of Scripted Commercial, commented on Fudge Park’s "talent-driven vision" and "universal themes," adding that she is excited about what this partnership will bring.

This deal marks the latest in Fremantle’s strategic alliances with high-profile creative talent worldwide. Fremantle has similar first-look deals with prominent creators, including Kristen Stewart’s Nevermind Pictures, BAFTA-winning Me+You Productions, Fabula by Pablo and Juan de Dios Larraín, and Astral Projection by Angelina Jolie, Rachel Weisz, and Polly Stokes. Additional partnerships include Nine Hours by Edward Berger, Sinestra by Johan Renck and Michael Parets, Caledonia Productions by Patrick Daly, and ongoing collaborations with writers and directors such as Michael Winterbottom.