David Tennant’s a big fan. David Baddiel called it ‘funnier than virtually all other quirky sitcoms’. Even the Queen loves it – not recently crowned side-chick Camilla, but Imelda Staunton, who ambushed the writers on the red carpet to tell them how much she adored the show.
The great and good have all become hooked on Colin from Accounts, the best word-of-mouth smash to come from BBC iPlayer since The Traitors and Australia’s best export since Kylie Minogue.
Don’t let its somewhat dull title blindside you into thinking this is some The Office-esque dross; the basic premise of Colin from Accounts is a boy meets girl love story that stems from quite possibly the unsexiest thing that could ever happen to anyone ever.
When Gordan ‘Flash’ Crapp (the ‘e’ was removed four ancestors ago, apparently) stops his car at a crossroad to let a woman pass, she thanks him graciously by whacking her nipple out, much to Gordon’s delighted surprise.
Only, Ashley (Flashley?) and her wild game of tit-for-tat goes awry when a distracted Gordon accidentally mows down a stray dog. A quick dash to the vets and a substantial bill later sees Gordon and Ashley inextricably tied together looking after this now severely wounded pup – who they dub ‘Colin from Accounts’.
The eight-part series has been neatly inhaled by fans, who have taken this well-established but by no means tired love story into their hearts. Its success largely comes from the screwball dialogue and natural chemistry of the series creators and leads, Patrick Brammall and Harriet Dyer, who are married in real life.
With a portion of the dialogue improvised (which gives the sparky repartee between the pair a natural, warm feel), Gordon and Ashley instantly feel relatable and likable, with each character expertly layered to give them more depth than your usual rom-com fodder.
Gordon’s feckless selfishness is offset by his insecure, vulnerable side (he’s only recently recovered from cancer) and wicked, playful sense of humour. Meanwhile, Ashley does not straddle typical late twenties clichés; she’s no manic-pixie-dream-girl, Mary Sue or hard-partying mess: rather, she’s an actual multifaceted medical student juggling a demanding job, a recent break-up and crappy housing.
The outstanding supporting cast only bolster the ‘when-will-they-get-together’ protagonists, with each character perfectly complementing the chemistry of the leads. Ashley’s gloriously snobby and equally parts toxic and hilarious mother Lynelle is paired with her increasingly unsettling boyfriend Professor Lee. Elsewhere, Gordon’s colleagues at the bar – roly-poly and randy Brett, as well as prickly and piercing Chiara – deliver some of the sitcom’s best lines.
The real breakout star, of course, is little Colin, the dopey border terrier that brings all these components together. The adorable little ewok on wheels, Colin (played by Zac, who goes against the border terrier type by being quiet, patient and compliant) is at the centre of the show’s best gag – a cute picture of him leaning up against the edge of the bath which ends up with a very NSFW component.
What makes Colin from Accounts such stellar viewing is how it embraces all the toe-curlingly cringe elements of the mundane every day, without necessarily relying on cheap gags or casual cruelty. Belying some of the show’s sillier humour is a love story which explores vulnerability, uncertainty and suitability. It would be a crime for the show not to have a second series – it’s too wonderful to pass by.
Colin from Accounts is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : BBC denies ‘stigmatising’ ADHD in Panorama documentary after major backlash