TV fun in Prestwick
Simon’s show shoots on stamping ground
Ayr writer Simon Carlyle was delighted to shoot scenes from the next series of his latest TV show - just a few miles from home.
Simon Carlyle is the cowriter of hit BBC comedy Two Doors Down, and last week the former Belmont Academy pupil took recording on series two to Prestwick.
As well as shooting at Ayrshire’s airport, the team were also in Budgens on Prestwick Main Street.
Two Doors Down explores the best and worst of family life, with the first series filmed in locations around Glasgow and at BBC Scotland’s Dumbarton studios.
Speaking exclusively to the Ayrshire Post, Simon said: “I started writing series two about four or five months ago. It got a great audience and had some amazing viewing figures, which the BBC were delighted with.
“We built up a really good following on Facebook and especially Twitter - which was just great.”
Co- written by Simon and Gregor Sharp, Two Doors Down features ex- Taggart star Alex Norton, the Fast Show’s Arabella Weir, Knowing Me, Knowing You’s Doon Mackichan, Only An Excuse’s Jonathan Watson and Rab C Nesbit legend Elaine C Smith,
Simon is no stranger to TV comedy, having worked on ITV’s long- running show Benidorm
He continued: “On our first day’s filming on series two, we were at Budgens in Prestwick. We had Elaine C Smith there - that was a real highlight of my day! She was there with Sharon Rooney and Jamie Quinn - that’s our first shot of series two.
“We then went on to Prestwick Airport, where we had Alex Norton and Jonathan Watson’s characters. They are going off on a lads’ football trip with the Tartan Army.
“It’s been lovely to come back home, especially as it meant I didn’t have too far to go in the morning for the shooting.
“I’ve been surprised by the weather - it was great weather and we were able to get outside and film at a plane.
“That said, we’ve got some scenes where we need rain, so I’m sure it won’t be too far away!
“It ’ s been a great experience - filming three or four miles from home.”
Series two of Two Doors Down has yet to be scheduled for transmission on the BBC.