Channel 4 has announced new cast members joining the upcoming romcom Break Clause as TV fans get a first-look sneak peek at the sitcom. The six-part comedy series centres around an awkward split. It stars How to Have Sex’s Samuel Bottomley as Ben as one half of the break-up couple, whilst Lara Ricote will take on the role of his ex-other half Lil.
Joining the pair will be Gentleman Jack’s Lucy Black as Deb and Cold Feet star John Thomas as Alan. Jack James, most recently known for playing William Dunlop in the ITV drama I Fought the Law, will take on the role of Jordan.
Penned by Jess Bray (The Outlaws), the series, which has been produced by BBC Studios Comedy and commissioned for Channel 4, follows Ben and Lil who must navigate their tumultuous break-up whilst still living together.
“Their relationship’s over. Their tenancy isn’t. Break Clause follows Ben and Lil as they navigate their breakup whilst stuck in the same flat,” the synopsis reads. “Moving on from your first love is hard enough. Moving out is even harder…”
Also added to the cast are Lucas Jones (Get Millie Black) as Sean, Hammed Animashaun (Black Ops) as Paul, Assa Kanouté (Boarders) as Kira, Catherine Cohen (Sentimental Value) as Jos, Charly Clive (Rooster) as Frances, Michael Workéyè (The Moment) as Kas, Jessica Knappett (Avoidance) as the Vicar, Nathan Foad (Our Flag Means Death) as Owen, Jack Shep (SNL UK) as Liam and Tamika Bennett as Nic.
Channel 4
Channel 4
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Series creator Bray released a statement about the comedy, sharing: “As a hopeless romantic who’s been daydreaming about this show for years, I’m so thrilled and grateful Channel 4 and ZDFneo are trusting me to tell more of Ben and Lil’s story.”
The synopsis continued: “We’ve somehow assembled The Avengers of a creative team (never seen it) so here’s hoping we can make something lovely and have a nice time doing it!”
Channel 4
Channel 4
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Head of Comedy at Channel 4 Charlie Perkins added: “There was a real alchemy to the creative components of this Comedy Blap, with huge rising stars both on and off screen. Nothing works better than a rom com in the era of people inhaling a series on streaming and this show sits brilliantly distinctively on our Channel 4 Comedy slate. We’re thrilled.”
Break Clause will air on Channel 4.
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TV writer, Digital Spy Janet completed her Masters degree in Magazine Journalism in 2013 and has continued to grow professionally within the industry ever since. For six years she honed her analytical reviewing skills at the Good Housekeeping institute eventually becoming Acting Head of Food testing. She also freelanced in the field of film and TV journalism from 2013-2020, when she interviewed A-List stars such as Samuel L Jackson, Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson. In 2021 she joined Digital Spy as TV writer where she gets to delve into more of what she loves, watching copious amounts of telly all in the name of work. Since taking on the role she has conducted red carpet interviews with the cast of Bridgerton, covered the BAFTAs and been interviewed by BBC Radio and London Live. In her spare time she also moonlights as a published author, the book Gothic Angel.