WE’VE CROAKED IT
Shadow of death falls on Craiglang as the comedy returns for eighth series but the cast promise fans can still expect lots of laughs, new faces and even stunts
IT’S the talk of Craiglang and among fans across Scotland who’s going to be killed off in the new series of hit comedy Still Game as it returns to our screens next week?
Bookies have even been offering odds on who’s on their way out – and the show’s creators and stars Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill admit they had to resist the temptation of placing bets.
Ford, who plays Jack Jarvis, hadn’t anticipated the betting frenzy.
He said: “Well I was surprised because the only other thing the bookies take bets on are reality singing TV shows and sport.
“It could be anybody. I mean Greg and I were both even money at one point and I was tempted to go and have a bet myself but I’d need to go in with a mask on.”
Greg, who plays Jack’s lifelong pal Victor McDade, added: “Yeah the bookies went crazy. It was fun.
“I was very tempted to call up my distant cousin and put some money on. I didn’t want to end up like Joey Barton and get kicked out for betting on my own show.”
In the second episode of the eighth series, a new face arrives in Craiglang – creepy undertaker Iain Duncan Sheathing, played by comic Bruce Morton, 58.
Ford said: “Bruce Morton is arguably the best stand-up comedian in Scotland. He’s got timing, dead-pan and all the skills we need for the undertaker, I D Sheathing.
“Bruce has a history with Still Game in many ways. He introduced Greg and I to each other and has starred in the live shows.
“Bruce got me into comedy many years ago. I’ve got a lot to thank him for, we both have.”
Ford, 56, described Sheathing as dressing like the hooded claw.
He added: “He almost hovers when he walks and he has a sinister touch about him. Bruce embodied Sheathing immediately – which is a strange word to use when you’re describing a funeral director.”
And US talk show host Craig Ferguson, 55, takes on the role of Callum – an old flame of Isa who returns to Scotland after a life in LA.
Ford and Greg were stunned to discover he was a fan when they met him in the US, where he hosted the Late Late Show. Ford said: “Greg and I went out to America to write and we got in touch and he invited us around for a cup of tea. “He said how much he loved the programme so we asked if he’d be up for being in it. He didn’t even ask what the character would be or to see a script. We’re delighted that he loved it. What a coup! “When he came on set to film he fitted in instantly. It’s a major deal to get someone
Craig’s profile and experience in the show.”
Greg, 48, added: “We were thrilled he’s on board. His achievements are incredible so it was lovely to have him in Still Game.”
Sanjeev Kohli, 46, who plays shopkeeper Navid Harrid, has been a fan of Glasgow-born Craig since he was a teenager.
He said: “One of the joys of this series is we’ve got the wonderful Craig Ferguson joining us. I think he’s brilliant.”
Gavin Mitchell, 53, who is Boabby the Barman, says there’s plenty to impress viewers. He said: “Old and new fans will love it – brilliant storylines, fantastic comedy set-pieces and new characters.
“There’s a funeral director which changes a few things in Craiglang … forever. The shadow of death looms large – who will die, maybe one, maybe more, could it be Boabby?
“The tables get turned on Boabby as he needs a bit of help and discovers the community are there for him.
“I think this series has gone up a notch and even has stunts in it.”
Mark Cox, 45, who plays tigh twith fisted Tam Mullen, added: “The nature of the demographic of the show, which is made up of old people, means they’re unnerved by the arrival of a new funeral director. He’s not that bad… or is he?”
The last series of Still Game – in 2016 – was the most-watched, non-sports programme in Scotland in more than a decade. It also scooped the Scottish Comedy Award and Celtic Media Award.
All the old favourites are back, including gossip Isa, played by Jane McCarry, one-legged Winston (Paul Riley), Methadone Mick (Scott Reid), Eric ( James Martin) and Shug (Paul Young) – but who knows if they’ll all survive?
The new run pokes fun at steak pies, caravanning, makeshift living arrangements, death, walking football and Californian stunt men to name just a few comedy targets.
Expect some killer lines and big laughs as the pensioner pals dice with death.
● Still Game, BBC1, Thursday, March 8, 9.30pm.
It could be anybody. Greg and I were even money at one point. I was tempted to bet FORD KIERNAN