Rosie Jones returns with new sitcom Disability Benefits
Rosie Jones will return to Channel 4 with new sitcom Disability Benefits, in which she plays a drug dealer.
The comedian recently debuted a documentary airing on the same network, facing backlash from the disabled community over its controversial title (Rosie Jones: Am I a R****d?). Weeks following the documentary's premiere, Jones has been confirmed to write and star in an upcoming comedy, an adaptation of her award-winning Channel 4 comedy Blap of the same name.
"I am incredibly excited to be making Disability Benefits for Channel 4. It has always been my dream to have my own sitcom and now it is coming true! Bring it on!!" Jones commented in a statement.
Related: Rosie Jones confirms new TV show after Casualty exit
The six-episode comedy will see Jones starring as Emily, who's had her state benefits cut to shreds after being made redundant. With very little left to lose, the protagonist begins to build an illegal drugs empire. But she looks nothing like your stereotypical drug dealer: "Emily's sharp, funny, biting, highly educated and has cerebral palsy".
Used to get overlooked, Emily and her illegal activity thrive, but will she ever get caught out?
Commissioned by Channel 4, the series is produced by Merman Television and 2LE Media.
"Rosie is a National Treasure at Channel 4, with her distinctively funny and powerful work felt across all genres," head of comedy for Channel 4 Charlie Perkins commented. "So making her first sitcom alongside the huge talents of Peter, Merman and 2LE is the perfect next step for this special force of nature. Disability Benefits adds to an increasingly exciting slate of Channel 4 Comedy shows for next year and beyond."
Related: Casualty star Rosie Jones opens up on the importance of her character for disability representation
"We are delighted to be working with Rosie, Peter, 2LE and Channel 4, to bring Disability Benefits to a series, following the award-winning success of the original comedy Blap last year," executive producer and co-founder of Merman Television Clelia Mountford said.
"Rosie has a truly unique voice and storytelling ability, alongside impeccable comedic timing, and we are proud to be working with her on her first scripted TV project."
Executive producer and managing director of 2LE Tom Thostrup finally joked that Jones exudes "big criminal mastermind energy in real life", adding: "We're very excited about working with her to bring that to the screen in Disability Benefits."
Disability Benefits will air on Channel 4, though no release window has yet been announced.
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