Vittorio Angelone and Hannah McClean Lead Care Work Comedy Series ‘Rewarding’ From BBC, Wonder Project (EXCLUSIVE)

Vittorio Angelone and Hannah McClean are set to star in new comedy series “Rewarding” following the “messy lives” of support workers looking after disabled and neurodivergent clients.

The six-part series was commissioned by BBC Northern Ireland and U.S. streamer Wonder Project from a pilot starring Angelone and Seána Kerslake.

Angelone reprises the role of Francis from pilot, while McClean takes on the role of Sinead.

“Rewarding” follows support workers Francis and Sinead as they look after their clients to the best of their ability – sometimes at the expense of each other. Set in domiciliary care facility Beacon Fold, newcomer Sinead is a sunny personality, radiating positivity and idealism in contrast to old hand Francis’ reality and pragmatism.

“Francis and Sinead clash, flirt and overshare while putting out the small fires all around them,” reads the synopsis. “Never failing in their duty of care to their clients, the real adversary won’t be the complexities of supporting their clients – but rather some of their colleagues’ unique approaches to the job, the endless bureaucracy of social care and their own crumbling personal lives.”

Joining the cast are Bernadette Brown (“Say Nothing”) as Fidelma, Joanne Crawford (“Blue Lights”) as Nicola and Faolan Morgan (“Art Detectives”) as Cyril, who all work in the care system, while their clients are played by authentic disabled, neurodivergent and learning disabled talent. Lee Snodgrass (who made his acting debut in the “Rewarding” pilot) plays Cal, Faith Alabi (“Industry”) is Martina and newcomer John Moffat is Joe.

“Rewarding” is produced by Conker Pictures, a Banijay UK company, with the series now shooting in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

“Hope Street” scribe Matthew McDevitt wrote the series, which is based on his own experiences working in social care, alongside Paddy Campbell (“Bodkin”) and Faebian Averies (“Bergerac”).

“‘Rewarding’ showcases the strength of Northern Ireland’s creative talent, pairing sharp, authentic writing with an exciting new generation of performers,” said Jason Butler, commissioning editor for BBC Northern Ireland.

Tommy Bulfin and Kim Varvell, joint CEOs of Conker Pictures, added: “We are absolutely delighted that our funny and heart-warming short film ‘Rewarding’ has been picked up for a full series. To have the opportunity to work with such amazing disabled, neurodivergent and learning disabled talent and to centre the stories / experiences of both the clients and the support workers is a total joy. Matthew’s experience working in adult domiciliary care brings a real authenticity to his storytelling and a deep fondness for his characters which is totally infectious. We defy anyone not to fall in love with the world of ‘Rewarding!’”

Justin Rosenblatt, head of global TV at Wonder Project, said: “Matthew has created a series that celebrates the people who dedicate themselves to caring for others, while never losing sight of the joy, relationships, and unexpected moments that make life meaningful. It’s a funny, deeply authentic story that reflects values we care about and the kind of storytelling we’re proud to champion.”

The series was commissioned by Eddie Doyle, head of commissioning at BBC Northern Ireland, and Justin Rosenblatt and Tristen Tuckfield for Wonder Project. Kim Varvell and Tommy Bulfin exec produce for Conker Pictures alongside Jason Butler, commissioning editor for BBC NI, and Justin Rosenblatt and Tristen Tuckfield for Wonder Project, with support from Northern Ireland Screen.

The pilot was developed as part of BBC Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen’s Green Lit scheme, which selected six short films for funded development. A second round of the scheme is currently underway.