Perfect office for TV comedy

9:22am Thursday 24th April 2008

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THE BBC has used a Horwich firm's office as a film set for a new sitcom.

The Cup is a new comedy about obsessive, pushy parents whose children play for an under-11 football team.

The show, made entirely on location in the Manchester and Bolton area, filmed scenes at the office of Rivington Mortgages, in Chorley New Road.

Keith Brian, the managing director, said: "A guy just walked into the office and said: "Hi, I'm from the BBC. We'd like to use your office'.

"He used to live in the area and had seen our offices before. He thought they were perfect for the scene."

The show is based around the idea that many parents try to live their own dreams through their children.

The scene filmed on Sunday saw one of the characters, played by Steve Edge, who was Alan in Phoenix Nights, try to raise cash for the club by remortgaging his house.

Other actors include Jennifer Hennessy and Samantha Power, who have appeared in The Bill.

The Cup will be produced by Sue Vertue from Hartswood Films, which also made Coupling and Men Behaving Badly, and directed by Matt Lipsey, of Little Britain.

Six episodes are scheduled for BBC 2 in the autumn.