Filming has officially commenced on the much-anticipated one-off BBC comedy special Shedites, set to air on BBC One over the Christmas season. The project marks a reunion of key talent behind Mrs. Brown’s Boys, including creator and lead Brendan O’Carroll, with Paddy Houlihan writing the script.

The sitcom is set in a “men’s shed” in a rural Irish village, where a group of ordinary men forge unlikely friendships and support one another through shared projects, cups of tea, and the odd workbench repair. Brendan O’Carroll plays Jimmy, while Danny O’Carroll also appears as his on-screen son, Cheesy.

The special centres on a festive storyline in which the characters attempt to build a new bicycle from recycled materials in order to compete in a local “Santa Spin” race. The stakes are raised by Councillor Orla, who is ready to criticize their efforts if they fail.

Paddy Houlihan, who also stars as one of the men in the shed, described the production as “surreal,” praising the cast for bringing depth, heart and genuine humour to his characters. Brendan O’Carroll added that seeing a long-held idea come to life has been “inspiring and exciting.”

The BBC’s head of comedy, Jon Petrie, commented that Shedites will offer a heartwarming, character-driven comedy full of laughs while celebrating meaningful connections. Executive Producer Steven Canny echoed this, describing Paddy Houlihan as “a true original” with a brilliant instinct for comedic storytelling.

As audiences prepare for the holiday season, Shedites promises to deliver not just festive cheer but also a thoughtful exploration of friendship, self-worth, and the value of community.