Line of Duty and Shetland stars confirmed for "witty" BBC sitcom about 'unlikely companions'

Mark Bonnar and Ashley Jensen have joined the cast of Rambling, a one-off sitcom that is being developed by the BBC. Billed as "enchanting, warm and witty", the comedy follows a pair who become "unlikely travelling companions".

The "feel-good" sitcom sees the duo, known for their respective roles in Line of Duty and Shetland respectively, portray Gerry and Cat. Though they are initially "mismatched", they come closer together against the "breathtaking" backdrop of rural Scotland.

The 30-minute special is being co-written by Iain Connell and Sharon Young, both of whom are known for their work on The Scotts. Ollie Parsons is directing, with the commission being ordered by BBC Scotland and BBC Comedy.

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"I'm so thrilled to be doing this beautifully written, very funny script by Iain and Sharon," said Bonnar. "I've never played someone quite like Gerry before, and I can't wait to get cracking! On top of that, to be reunited with the wonderful Ashley Jensen! Doesn't get any better."

"Sharon and Iain's script is about nothing and everything," added Jensen, who has also appeared in Extras. "It's smart, honest, poignant, moving and funny. It's about loss, loneliness, and our need for connection.

"I started my career with the BBC Comedy unit a long time ago, so I am delighted to return and be part of Rambling, and to be reunited with the talented Mark Bonnar along with a resilient and incredibly skilled crew."

Gavin Smith, Commissioning Editor for BBC Scotland, said the "outdoorsy sitcom" would be "packed with brilliant banter", while BBC Comedy's Navi Lamba called the special "deeply relatable".

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"You'd never put Gerry and Cat together. He's order, she's chaos," reads the logline. "Gerry plans every step. Cat gets lost on the way to the car park. Gerry's on a mission to fulfil a promise to his recently deceased brother."

"Cat's flying solo having been thrown out of a walking group that was supposed to be a fresh start for her. The more they walk and talk, they discover they're travelling on common ground," it continues, with the special said to be about "putting your best foot forward".

Rambling has no release date.

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Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media.  His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.