BBC unveils first look at new romantic comedy series with Blue Lights and Schitt’s Creek stars

BBC Northern Ireland have announced a new romantic comedy series called Committed, which is currently filming in County Down, Northern Ireland, and stars Dustin Milligan and Diona Doherty.

The series, which is also shooting on location in Hamilton, Ontario, follows the romance between Canadian accountant Peter Hooley (Milligan), and Northern Irish woman Julie (Doherty).

The pair meet and spend a whirlwind weekend together in Toronto before parting ways. However, recently divorced Peter decides to cross the Atlantic to declare his love to Julie, only to discover that he has arrived in an old-fashioned and eccentric rural Irish village that isn't at all what he imagined.

The BBC describes Committed as "a romantic comedy about what happens in a relationship after the grand gesture, when real life barges in. At its core, the series explores what it means to step outside your comfort zone—and how people who are very different from you can make life far more interesting than you planned."

Canadian actor Dustin Milligan is best known for his role as veterinarian Ted Mullens in Schitt's Creek, while Irish comedian and actress Diona Doherty starred as a Ukranian student in Derry Girls and also appeared in the third season of Blue Lights.

They are joined in the romcom by Ian McElhinney (Derry Girls), Dan Gordon (Blue Lights), Muki Zubis (This is Going to Hurt), Seamus O'Hara (House of Guinness), Chris McCurry (Belfast) and Patrick Buchanan (Warrior).

Jason Butler, BBC Northern Ireland commissioning editor said: "Audiences are going to fall in love with this bold new comedy series. We’ve a brilliant cast that viewers will be familiar with on both sides of the Atlantic – we’re delighted to welcome Dustin to these shores starring alongside our own Diona Doherty."

The series is co-created by Keith Martin, Gerry Dee and showrunner Tim Loane, who is best known as the creator of Channel 4's Teachers and has also written episodes of Versailles, Marcella and Ballykissangel.

Sally Catto the general manager of programming at co-producers CBC noted: "Committed offers a classic fish-out-of-water comedy intertwined with a unique love story that follows the all too human aftermath of a grand romantic gesture, rather than the build-up to it.

"We know the show will connect with audiences in Canada and around the world thanks to its heart and authenticity, and are excited to be partnering with BBC Northern Ireland alongside the outstanding teams at Cameron Pictures and Fabel Productions."

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Executive producer Keith Martin of Fabel Productions, added: "To make a comedy from this part of this Island with all its quirks, huge hearts and ugly-beautiful glory is a career highlight. We’re so excited to share our abrasive but loveable, odd folk and their daft wee community with the world.

"Wait until you see our amazingly talented Canadian and beloved homegrown cast. A dream! Thank you to all of our partners for making the leap in the name of love to a place not often seen or celebrated. High hopes, comedy with consequences and lots of animals to follow."

Committed will be coming to BBC and BBC iPlayer next year.

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