TV PREVIEW

Alan Carr has often spoken about his life growing up in 1980s Northampton, the son of a football manager - but only now will his experience be on the small screen.

Changing Ends, a new autobiographical comedy for ITVX starring and co-written by the Bafta Award-winner himself, will follow his journey through puberty and adolescence, and finally self-discovery, all against the backdrop of Thatcher’s Britain.

However the six-part sitcom is more than just a trip down memory lane; told with warmth and wit, it is a love letter to his home town, 46-year-old Carr says, at a time when things were not always so inclusive.

“I wanted to create Northampton’s own The Crown. Olivia Colman’s playing me in the next part!” he begins, his infectious cackle instantly drawing laughs.

“Sorry, I just find it so personal, doing this,” he adds, suddenly coy. “I remember the first time we had a readthrough everyone thinks I’m overconfident and stuff just sitting there with everyone, someone playing my mum, someone playing my dad, someone playing me, writing jokes that I’ve co-written.

“It was just so nervewracking. I just hope everyone loves it.”

That is looking likely, considering the nation’s love for Carr as one of our most successful and treasured comedians.

The Chatty Man presenter who teamed up with writer Simon Carlyle for the piece will lead the ensemble cast as himself in the present day, with rising star Oliver Savell taking on the role of young Alan.

Shaun Dooley and Nancy Sullivan portray his parents Graham (who managed Northampton Town, the Cobblers, at the old County Ground) and Christine, with Taylor Fay playing his younger brother Gary. Rourke

Mooney, Gabby Best, Harry Peacock, David Mumeni and Michael Socha also feature.

So why now? Why was Carr’s story right for a sitcom?

“I mean, I was this gay, goofy, fat, kid” he offers. “I worked in a call centre as well, and I remember I’d answer the phone and go, ‘Hello, Barclaycard’, and then people would go, ‘Is this a hoax?’ ‘You phoned me!’ So it was that.”

As showcased in many of his stand-up shows, Carr’s experience as a gay teenager in the East Midlands has long provided him with a rich seam of comedy gold, whether it is his sexual awakenings, his daily battle with bullies or navigating the highs and lows of fourth division football.

“I was getting bullied,” he confides. “Not all the time. I was annoying. I don’t blame the bullies. But what wasn’t fair is I’d get bullied because of the (football) results on Saturdays. I never said I was a good footballer!” he quips. “But when I’d go to school, they’d find out who my dad was, and they’d make me team captain. I was like, ‘No, no, there’s been a terrible mistake. And of course I’d toe punt it over a fence and then that was it. I was the substitute.”

It is certainly a powerful watch, has it left him feeling empowered to see his life on the screen?

“Oh my God, yeah, it’s absolutely amazing,” concludes Carr. “It’s been years. I mean, they take forever? And so yeah, I’m really proud, as we all should be. I’m honoured.”