{{Short description|2013 British TV comedy-drama series}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2015}} {{Use British English|date=May 2015}} {{Infobox television | alt_name = Lapland | image = Being Eileen.png | caption = Title card (series 1 onwards) | genre = Comedy drama | creator = Michael Wynne<ref name="wynne"/> | writer = Michael Wynne<ref name="wynne"/> | director = {{Plainlist| * Catherine Morshead<ref name="24dec"/> * Simon Delaney<ref name="ozzie"/> * Susan Tully<ref name="eileen"/> }} | starring = {{Plainlist| * Sue Johnston * William Ash * Dean Andrews (Being Eileen) * Elizabeth Berrington * Stephen Graham (Lapland) * Julie Graham * Zawe Ashton (Lapland) * Connor Dempsey * Georgia Doyle * Adam Scotland * Ellis Murphy * Keith Barron }} | theme_music_composer = Simon Lacey<ref name="24dec"/> <br/> Mark Thomas<ref name="4feb"/> | opentheme = "Eileen"<ref name="24dec"/> | country = United Kingdom | language = English | num_series = 1 | num_episodes = 7 | executive_producer = {{Plainlist| * Anne Gilchrist<ref name="24dec"/> * Pete Thornton<ref name="second"/> }} | producer = {{nowrap|Rosemary McGowan<ref name="24dec"/>}} | editor = Jamie Pearson<ref name="24dec"/> <br/> Mark Davies<ref name="4feb"/> | location = Lapland <br/> Birkenhead | runtime = 30 minutes <br/> <small>(Formally 75 minutes, originally intended to be 90 minutes)</small><ref name="24dec"/><ref name="cut"/> | company = BBC | channel = BBC One <br/> BBC HD <br/> BBC Two <small>(Sign Zone)</small><ref name="sz"/> | first_aired = {{Start date|2011|12|24|df=y}} | last_aired = {{End date|2013|03|11|df=y}} }} '''''Being Eileen''''' is a BBC comedy-drama which began as a six-part series on 4 February and ended on 11 March 2013.<ref name="be">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/proginfo/2013/06/being-eileen.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130070729/http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/proginfo/2013/06/being-eileen.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 January 2013|title=Being Eileen|work=BBC|access-date=29 January 2013}}</ref><ref name="celebs"/><ref name="end">{{cite web|title=Lapland Series 1 (2013)|url=http://www.comedy.co.uk/guide/tv/being_eileen/episodes/1/|work=British Comedy Guide|access-date=29 January 2013}}</ref> It began as a one-off Christmas special titled '''''Lapland''''', broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC One on 24 December 2011.<ref name="24dec">{{Cite episode |title=Lapland (24 December 2011)|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b018nnlt|series= Lapland|credits= Catherine Morshead (director), Rosemary McGowan (producer)|network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=24 December 2011}}</ref> A full series was later announced, with the title ''Being Eileen'', consisting of six 30 minute episodes, due to the success of the single episode, which was viewed by 6.9 million viewers upon its original airing.<ref name="RATINGS"/> The series also aired on BBC Two as part of ''Sign Zone'', which features sign language throughout.<ref name="sz">{{cite web|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/episode/tx2hj/being-eileen--series-1---1-missing|title=Being Eileen Series 1 - 1. Missing|date=11 February 2013|first=Alison|last=Graham|work=Radio Times|access-date=10 February 2013}}</ref> The series was released on DVD on 1 April 2013.<ref name="dvd"/>
The series, written by Michael Wynne, features an ensemble cast. Headed by Sue Johnston, who plays Eileen Lewis, the programme focuses on her, the widowed matriarch of a "large, close-knit and dysfunctional Northern family".<ref name="second"/> The single episode focused on the family's visit to Lapland, whilst the series focuses on their life in Birkenhead. Elizabeth Berrington and Stephen Graham (later recast to Dean Andrews) play Eileen's children, whilst William Ash and Julie Graham play their partners. All the cast - Johnston, Berrington, Ash, Graham and Keith Barron - a love interest for Eileen - returned for the series, with the exceptions of Stephen Graham and Zawe Ashton, who played Jingle Jill.
==Production== Michael Wynne wrote the first script for ''Lapland''.<ref name="wynne">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/8974061/Lapland-BBC-One-preview.html|title=Lapland, BBC One, preview|date=23 December 2011|work=The Daily Telegraph|first=Dominic|last=Cavendish|access-date=21 December 2012}}</ref> He said in an interview, "I just went on a day trip, which was pretty hardcore. It was a three-hour trip there and back. I went a couple of weeks before Christmas, and it was stressful enough then". The kind of pressure that would build when it's actually Christmas and everyone wants it to be perfect is just a gift to write about. I thought it would be good if a big, messy family like my own went away".<ref name="wynne"/> When the cast and crew arrived on location in Norway, Wynne said that they had to do "a bit of rewriting" due to there being no snow falling whilst they were filming, to which he said, "They're not really looking for snow. And they get to make jokes about climate change and it all looking like Aberystwyth".<ref name="wynne"/> The episode was originally supposed to last 90 minutes, but was cut down to 75.<ref name="cut">{{cite web|url=http://www.comedy.co.uk/news/story/00000931/lapland_sue_johnston_bbc_one_comedy_series/|title=Sue Johnston comedy Lapland gets full series|date=4 October 2012|work=The British Comedy Guide|access-date=21 December 2012}}</ref> Although set in Lapland, the scenes were filmed in Norway. Sue Johnston said, "We flew to Tromsø and then travelled an hour north and stayed on an army barracks".<ref name="tvguide2">{{cite web|url=http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/drama/christmas/interviews/sue-johnston-reindeer-tastes-like-filet-steak/14736|title=Sue Johnston: 'Reindeer tastes like filet steak!'|date=6 December 2011|first=David|last=Collins|work=TV Guide|access-date=21 December 2012}}</ref> Producer Rosemary McGowan said, "Michael Wynne has skilfully brought to life one ordinary family's chaotic experience of Christmas in a way that will have people all over the country chuckling in recognition. Funny, warm but also moving".<ref name="radiotimes">{{cite web|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2011-10-10/bbc-christmas-comedy-lapland-begins-shooting|title=BBC Christmas comedy Lapland begins shooting|date=10 October 2011|first=Paul|last=Jones|work=Radio Times|access-date=21 December 2012}}</ref> Johnston teased the series, "Stephen Graham plays my son and his wife (Julie Graham) has some killer funny lines. She doesn’t want to be there at all and her kids are very, very naughty. Then there's my daughter and her husband, who's a boring know-it-all who keeps going on about seeing The Northern Lights, plus their two children who are lovely".<ref name="tvguide2"/>
{{cquote|It was just a one-off after I had this idea about a family going to Lapland then the BBC said ‘do you think there's any more life in it?’. I’ve really enjoyed doing the series and getting involved in the process of the filming, even down to working with the composer and the woman who did the title sequence. I am a producer as well so I was there on set for a lot of the filming and editing, saying things like ‘have you got another shot of that?’ and ‘that doesn’t work!’. This series is very much inspired by growing up in Birkenhead and my family and friends. I wanted to put a nice family who get on on the telly – they have problems but they like each other.|author=Writer and creator Michael Wynne talking about the series, and his inspiration.<ref name="wynneseries">{{cite web|url=http://www.wirralnews.co.uk/wirral-news/local-wirral-news/west-wirral-news/2013/02/13/birkenhead-born-writer-michael-wynne-on-returning-to-his-roots-for-new-tv-comedy-being-eileen-80491-32798197/|title=Birkenhead-born writer Michael Wynne on returning to his roots for new TV comedy Being Eileen |date=13 February 2013|work=Heswall News|publisher=Wirral News Group|access-date=13 February 2013|first=Lorna|last=Hughes}}</ref>}}
On 4 October 2012, the BBC announced that ''Lapland'' will have a full series.<ref name="second">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2012/lapland-series.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130114023437/http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2012/lapland-series.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 January 2013|title=BBC One commissions new six part comedy series, Lapland |date=4 October 2012|work=BBC|publisher=BBC Online|access-date=21 December 2012}}</ref> The series followed the success of that of the Christmas special, which was watched by 6.89 million.<ref name="second"/><ref name="RATINGS"/> ''Lapland'' is made by BBC In-House Comedy and was filmed in locations at Salford, Manchester, Liverpool, Birkenhead, New Brighton, World Museum and Landican Cemetery.<ref name="second"/><ref name="wynneseries"/><ref name="philperez"/> This series was again written by Wynne and produced by McGowan.<ref name="second"/> Mark Freeland the controller of UK Comedy Production, BBC said, "After its rating success last Christmas, it's exciting that ''Lapland'' is coming back as a series. It shows BBC One backs fresh, new, comic writing".<ref name="second"/> Pete Thornton, executive producer added, "Michael Wynne has penned a beautifully nuanced, warm hearted Northern comedy featuring a highly original comic family. With the brilliant Sue Johnston leading a stellar cast, we're thrilled to welcome this hit ensemble back to BBC One".<ref name="second"/> Former ''EastEnders'' actress Susan Tully directed some of the series episodes,<ref name="eileen"/> as did Simon Delaney.<ref name="ozzie"/> All the main cast returned, with the exception of Stephen Graham and Zawe Ashton.<ref name="second"/> On 28 December 2012, a trailer was released showcasing the channel's 2013 programs; ''Lapland'' being shown.<ref name="trailer">{{cite web|last=Rowley|first=Alison|title=BBC One 2013 trailer: 'Doctor Who', 'Miranda', 'Luther', more - watch|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s7/doctor-who/news/a447566/bbc-one-2013-trailer-doctor-who-miranda-luther-more-watch.html|work=Digital Spy|publisher=Hearst Magazines|access-date=31 January 2013|date=28 December 2012}}</ref> In 2013, the series was renamed to '''Being Eileen'''.<ref name="tvguide3"/> Johnston said of the show being made into a series, "To me, it was just a one-off drama at the time, so it was a nice surprise when they suddenly got in touch".<ref name="tvguide3">{{cite web|url=http://www.tvchoicemagazine.co.uk/interviewextra/sue-johnston-being-eileen|title=Sue Johnston: Being Eileen|date=29 January 2013|first=David|last=Collins|work=TV Guide|access-date=29 January 2013|archive-date=13 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513131315/http://tvchoicemagazine.co.uk/interviewextra/sue-johnston-being-eileen|url-status=dead}}</ref> The series finished on 11 March 2013.<ref name="end"/> Phil Perez, a guest star in "Ay Carumba", said that there was "talk of another series" after the first, when interviewed in January 2013 although as of 2017 no second series has been produced.<ref name="philperez">{{cite web|url=http://www.wirralnews.co.uk/wirral-news/local-wirral-news/2013/01/24/mersey-actor-goes-from-liverpool-to-lapland-with-sue-johnston-100252-32666459/|title=Mersey actor goes from Liverpool to Lapland with Sue Johnston |work=Liverpool Echo|access-date=13 February 2013|publisher=Wirral News Group|first=Tina|last=Miles|date=24 January 2013}}</ref>
===Cast and characters=== left|thumb|The 2013 series cast. (L-R: Connor Dempsey, Georgia Doyle, Adam Scotland, Julie Graham, Sue Johnston, Dean Andrews, Elizabeth Berrington, Ellis Murphy and William Ash)|300px The ensemble cast, features Johnston as the "ageing mother" and the "widowed matriarch" Eileen.<ref name="wynne"/><ref name="second"/> Elizabeth Berrington plays Paula, and initially Stephen Graham, later Dean Andrews plays Pete, both of whom play Eileen's children. William Ash plays Paula's husband Ray and Julie Graham plays Pete's wife Mandy, both of whom are described as "rather unlovable partners".<ref name="wynne"/><ref name="second"/> Adam Scotland, Ellis Murphy, Connor Dempsey and Georgia Doyle as Eileen's grandchildren, Jack, Liam, Ethan and Melissa,<ref name="gerrad"/> described as a "mixed bag of young children, some spoilt-rotten, some sugar-sweet".<ref name="wynne"/><ref name="second"/> Ashton played Jingle Jill, a tourism guide for the single episode, and Keith Barron plays Maurice, a love interest for Eileen.<ref name="wynne"/><ref name="24dec"/><ref name="second"/>
The "wit" of the script appealed to Johnston due to her having to bury her father near Christmas, "as did the chance of a lifetime to go to the frozen north", what Johnston called, "the icing on the cake".<ref name="wynne"/> Stephen Graham added, "I remember Sue from when she was in ''Brookside'' and she's a legend. I’ve always wanted to work with her. For me to work with Sue Johnston is like playing football with Steven Gerrard".<ref name="gerrad">{{cite web|url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/in-the-mix/2011/12/06/liverpool-boardwalk-empire-star-stephen-graham-says-working-with-sue-johnston-on-christmas-comedy-lapland-is-like-playing-football-with-liverpool-fc-captain-steven-gerrard-100252-29901166/|title=Liverpool Boardwalk Empire star Stephen Graham says working with Sue Johnston on Christmas comedy Lapland is like playing football with Liverpool FC captain Steven Gerrard|date=6 December 2011|work=Liverpool Echo|publisher=Trinity Mirror|first=Tina|last=Miles|access-date=21 December 2012}}</ref> Perez agreed, calling her "great to work" and "so friendly", adding "you felt as if you had known her for years".<ref name="philperez"/> Wynne added, "Sue is brilliant. She is so experienced that she just hits it – the comedy and the pathos. It is exactly what you were thinking and 100 times more".<ref name="wynneseries"/> Upon the announcement of the series, it was stated that Stephen Graham's character had been recast to ''Marchlands'' star Dean Andrews.<ref name="second"/><ref name="recast">{{cite web|url=http://www.tvwise.co.uk/2012/10/its-official-bbc-one-orders-lapland-comedy-series-based-on-2011-christmas-special/|title=It's Official: BBC One Orders 'Lapland' Comedy Series Based On 2011 Christmas Special|date=4 October 2012|work=TV Wise|first=Patrick|last=Munn|access-date=21 December 2012}}</ref> Johnston said of this, "I was very sad when I heard that Stephen wasn’t going to do it, but then when I met Dean Andrews, all was forgiven. He's lovely".<ref name="tvguide3"/> Julie Graham was the first to sign up for the series.<ref name="confirmed">{{cite web|url=http://www.tvwise.co.uk/2012/09/bbc-one-orders-follow-up-to-christmas-comedy-lapland/|title=TV BBC One Orders Follow Up To Christmas Comedy 'Lapland', Stephen Graham's Role Recast|date=13 September 2012|work=TV Wise|first=Patrick|last=Munn|access-date=21 December 2012|archive-date=14 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614094956/https://www.tvwise.co.uk/2012/09/bbc-one-orders-follow-up-to-christmas-comedy-lapland/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Barron who played Maurice was confirmed to return in a guest role.<ref name="maurice">{{cite web|url=http://www.tvwise.co.uk/2012/10/tv-castings-sydney-rae-white-keith-barron/|title=TV Castings: Sydney Rae White Joins Sky1′s 'Starlings', Keith Barron To Reprise Role On BBC One's 'Lapland'|date=31 October 2012|work=TV Wise|first=Patrick |last=Munn|access-date=21 December 2012}}</ref> Johnston said of the Berrington's character Paula, "Oh, she's always hysterical. And I think she thinks her mother's going loopy, but she's crazier than her mother. She's just always stressed out, and there's a lot of conflict between her and her brother, who's played by Dean. She's the sort of daughter who wants attention. Obviously, Pete has been the golden boy and there's a bit of tension between Eileen and Paula, as there often is between a mother and daughter, when there's a son involved. So all that adds to the drama".<ref name="tvguide3"/> The series focusses on Eileen's "tough" time being apart from her deceased husband Ted.<ref name="celebs">{{cite web|title=Sue Johnston: 'I'm scared of going under the surgeon's knife'|work=Celebs|publisher=Trinity Mirror|date=23 October 2012}}</ref> Johnston said that Eileen is trying to "get on with her life" after his death.<ref name="mirrordaily">{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/sue-johnston-coronation-street-return-1708685|title='I'm nearly 70 but in my head I'm 35': Sue Johnston on ageism in TV and why she'll never retire|work=Daily Mirror|publisher=Trinity Mirror|date=14 February 2013|access-date=2 March 2013|first=Olivia|last=Buxton}}</ref> She said, "In doing so, she meets opposition from the family who think she has gone a bit loopy. They have never seen the fact that she can be strong and independent. She goes to a Rihanna concert with an old friend and becomes a lot more adventurous but her family starts to wonder what is going on".<ref name="mirrordaily"/>
The single episode featured several guest cast members, such as Emily Joyce and Rufus Jones who played husband and wife Miranda and Julian.<ref name="24dec"/><ref name="comedyguide">{{cite web|url=http://www.comedy.co.uk/guide/tv/being_eileen/episodes/2011/1/|title=Lapland - Christmas Special|work=The British Comedy Guide|access-date=21 December 2012}}</ref> Oliver Watton appeared as "Steward", whilst Caspar Phillipson appeared as Teppo.<ref name="24dec"/><ref name="comedyguide"/><ref name="caspar">{{cite web|url=http://www.hattonmcewanpenford.com/caspar-phillipson.html|title=CASPAR PHILLIPSON|work=HMC|access-date=21 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140601014644/http://www.hattonmcewanpenford.com/caspar-phillipson.html|archive-date=1 June 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Fraser Ayres, Juga Leppajarvi and Andrei Aleen appeared as Brian, Bavval and Hans respectively.<ref name="comedyguide"/> Liv Olsen appeared as "Sleepy Elf", whilst Nigel Harris played "Santa".<ref name="comedyguide"/> Amrita Acharia and Matt Green appeared as "Bride" and "Groom", whilst finally, Mel Oskar appeared as "Receptionist".<ref name="comedyguide"/> In the first episode of the series, "Missing", Adam Abbou, Casey-Lee Jolleys and Lewis Pryor all appeared as Tyler, Julie and Edward.<ref name="4feb"/><ref name="adam">{{cite web|url=http://www.spotlight.com/interactive/cv/16/M157181.html|title=ADAM ABBOU: Spotlight Children|work=Spotlight|access-date=5 February 2013}}</ref> Imara Rodgers and Emily Forrest played minor parts, and Joan Hempson, Stephen Aintree and Alex Watson played Hilda, Sid and "Fireman".<ref name="4feb"/> In the second episode, "Homeless", Daniel Hayes appeared as Luke, Pearce Quigley played Dave, Pauline Fleming as Margie and Will Travis as Ken.<ref name="11feb"/> Rosina Carbone appeared as Miss Igoe, Vicki Gates as Pat, and Ozzie Yue played "Taxi Driver".<ref name="ozzie">{{cite web|url=http://www.sainou.com/ozzie-yue/|title=Ozzie Yue|work=Sainou|access-date=21 December 2012|quote=Taxi Driver, LAPLAND, BBC TV, Simon Delaney}}</ref><ref name="11feb"/><ref name="ozzie2">{{cite web|url=http://www.sainou.com/ozzie-yue-lapland/|title=Ozzie Yue: Lapland|work=Sainou|access-date=21 December 2012|quote=Ozzie Yue films the BBC comedy series Lapland, a heartwarming comedy starring Sue Johnston (The Royle Family, Coronation Street) which follows the lives of the Lewis family from Birkenhead, Merseyside.|date=November 2012}}</ref> Finally, Adam Stevens played Keith, both in "Homeless" and in "Birthday".<ref name="11feb"/><ref name="11mar"/> In "Ay Carumba", Phil Perez appeared as Carlos, a zumba teacher.<ref name="philperez"/> Perez said of his character and how he got the role, "My character has a lot of confidence. I originally auditioned for a much smaller part but was then given one of the lead parts in the third episode. It was a great laugh and the scenes when I am teaching them how to dance are very funny".<ref name="philperez"/> Along with Perez, Kevin Harvey, Conrad Nelson, Tanya Vital, Ian Munzberger, Debra Redcliffe and Taylor Perry played Mr Brown, "Olympic Coach", Lynda, Carl, Kim and Ben respectively.<ref name="eileen">{{cite web|url=http://www.janehollowood.co.uk/page2.php?id=150 |title=Eileen O'Brien |work=Jane Holloway |access-date=21 December 2012 |quote=Eileen has just completed work on a new comedy series Lapland for BBC, directed by Susan Tully. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130815131225/http://janehollowood.co.uk/page2.php?id=150 |archive-date=15 August 2013 }}</ref><ref name="18feb"/> Eileen O'Brien played Rita, Sue Jenkins was Maureen and Susan Twist played Beedie.<ref name="18feb"/> O'Brien, Jenkins and Twist all reprised their roles in "Birthday".<ref name="11mar"/> In "Monopoly", Derek Barr, Susan Cormack and Emma Herron appeared as Derek, Barb and Carol, respectively, and Justin Edwards was credited as the voice on Eileen's Spanish tape.<ref name="25feb"/> In "DIY", Lenny Wood appeared as Gavin, Sue Devaney as Carmel, James Devlin as Rodger, Naveen Riley Mohamed as Trace, Warren Donnelly as "Security Guard", Emily Pennington as Viv and Russ Booth as "Workman".<ref name="4mar"/> Along with Stevens, O'Brien, Jenkins and Twist reprising their roles in "Birthday" - the final episode of the series - Rachel McGuiness appeared as Angela, and Barron reprised his role from "Lapland" as Maurice.<ref name="maurice"/><ref name="11mar"/>
==Episodes==
===Special (2011)=== {{Episode table |background=336 |overall= |title= |writer= |airdate= |viewers= |country=U.K. |episodes= {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = – |Title = Lapland |WrittenBy = Michael Wynne |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2011|12|24|df=y}} |Viewers = 6.89<ref name="RATINGS">{{cite web|url=http://www.barb.co.uk/whats-new/weekly-top-30?_s=5&period=201112060125|title=BBC1 w/e 25 Dec 2011|work=BARB|access-date=21 December 2012}}</ref> |ShortSummary = The Lewis family are determined to leave their troubles at home in Birkenhead when they set out for Lapland in search of Santa, huskies, reindeer, and hopefully the mysterious northern lights. They soon discover that baggage is not so easily left behind, but also that magic can be found in the most unexpected places. <small>- BBC<ref name="24dec"/><ref name="end"/></small> |LineColor = 336 }} }}
===Series 1 (2013)=== {{Episode table |background=336 |overall= |title= |writer= |airdate= |viewers= |country=U.K. |episodes= {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 1 |Title = Missing |WrittenBy = Michael Wynne |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2013|02|04|df=y}} |Viewers = 2.43<ref name="ratingsmissing">{{cite web|title=Channel 4 wins 3.3m viewers for Richard III documentary|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a456570/channel-4-wins-33m-viewers-for-richard-iii-documentary.html|work=Digital Spy|publisher=Hearst Magazines|first=Paul|last=Millar|date=5 February 2013|access-date=8 February 2013}}</ref> |ShortSummary = Eileen goes missing and Paula goes into meltdown. Pete tries to treat Mandy, but he gets dragged into searching for their mum, who is not missing after all. <small>- BBC<ref name="4feb">{{Cite episode |title=Missing (4 February 2013)|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01qmbnz|series= Being Eileen|credits= Michael Wynne (writer)|network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=4 February 2013}}</ref></small> |LineColor = 336 }} {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 2 |Title = Homeless |WrittenBy = Michael Wynne |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2013|02|11|df=y}} |Viewers = 2.55<ref name="ratingshomeless">{{cite web|title=Episode 1.2 - Homeless|url=http://www.comedy.co.uk/guide/tv/being_eileen/episodes/1/2/|work=British Comedy Guide|access-date=12 February 2013}}</ref> |ShortSummary = Eileen takes in a homeless man, while Paula and Ray take in a homeless rabbit.<small>- BBC<ref name="11feb">{{Cite episode |title=Homeless (11 February 2013)|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01qrtb2|series= Being Eileen|credits= Michael Wynne (writer)|network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=11 February 2013}}</ref></small> |LineColor = 336 }} {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 3 |Title = Ay Carumba |WrittenBy = Michael Wynne |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2013|02|18|df=y}} |Viewers = 2.10<ref name="ratingsaycarumba">{{cite web|title=Episode 1.3 - Ay Carumba|url=http://www.comedy.co.uk/guide/tv/being_eileen/episodes/1/3/|work=British Comedy Guide|access-date=19 February 2013}}</ref> |ShortSummary = Eileen joins a group of other local widows, but will not play by the rules. Paula and Mandy compete over the latest Brazilian fitness craze, and Ethan has a hidden talent that could take him all the way to the Olympics... Or not.<small>- BBC<ref name="18feb">{{Cite episode |title=Ay Carumba (18 February 2013)|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01qyny3|series= Being Eileen|credits= Michael Wynne (writer)|network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=18 February 2013}}</ref><ref name="ep3">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/proginfo/2013/08/being-eileen.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130419171930/http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/proginfo/2013/08/being-eileen.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 April 2013|title=Being Eileen (3/6)|work=BBC|publisher=BBC Online|access-date=4 February 2013}}</ref></small> |LineColor = 336 }} {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 4 |Title = Monopoly |WrittenBy = Michael Wynne |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2013|02|25|df=y}} |Viewers = 2.12<ref name="ratingsmonopoly">{{cite web|title=Episode 1.4 - Monopoly|url=http://www.comedy.co.uk/guide/tv/being_eileen/episodes/1/4/|work=British Comedy Guide|access-date=26 February 2013}}</ref> |ShortSummary = Eileen decides to spend a quiet afternoon learning Spanish; that is, until she is invaded by the family, with Ray wanting to be a power seller on eBay and Mandy a meat-seller from Eileen's kitchen.<small>- BBC<ref name="25feb">{{Cite episode |title=Monopoly (25 February 2013)|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01r0hp3|series= Being Eileen|credits= Michael Wynne (writer)|network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=25 February 2013}}</ref><ref name="ep4">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/proginfo/2013/09/being-eileen.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130419180223/http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/proginfo/2013/09/being-eileen.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 April 2013|title=Being Eileen (4/6)|work=BBC|publisher=BBC Online|access-date=7 February 2013}}</ref></small> |LineColor = 336 }} {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 5 |Title = DIY |WrittenBy = Michael Wynne |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2013|03|04|df=y}} |Viewers = 2.92 |ShortSummary = A family outing to the local DIY store ends in mayhem. Eileen works her magic on the store manager, and Mandy's dream bathroom remains a dream.<small>- BBC<ref name="4mar">{{Cite episode |title=DIY (4 March 2013)|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01r6b0b|series= Being Eileen|credits= Michael Wynne (writer)|network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=4 March 2013}}</ref><ref name="ep5">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/proginfo/2013/10/being-eileen.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925074423/http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/proginfo/2013/10/being-eileen.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 September 2015|title=Being Eileen (5/6)|work=BBC|publisher=BBC Online|access-date=22 February 2013}}</ref></small> |LineColor = 336 }} {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 6 |Title = Birthday |WrittenBy = Michael Wynne |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2013|03|11|df=y}} |Viewers = 2.14<ref name="ratingsbirthday">{{cite web|title=Episode 1.6 - Birthday|url=http://www.comedy.co.uk/guide/tv/being_eileen/episodes/1/6/|work=British Comedy Guide|access-date=12 March 2013}}</ref> |ShortSummary = Ray builds a pirate ship for Liam's themed party - but Liam is scared of pirates. Paula hits the bottle, Mandy feels sick and Eileen gets a surprise visitor from Lapland.<small>- BBC<ref name="11mar">{{Cite episode |title=Birthday (11 March 2013)|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01rcmhg|series= Being Eileen|credits= Michael Wynne (writer)|network=BBC |station=BBC One |airdate=11 March 2013}}</ref><ref name="ep6">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/proginfo/2013/11/being-eileen.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925074429/http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/proginfo/2013/11/being-eileen.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 September 2015|title=Being Eileen (6/6)|work=BBC|publisher=BBC Online|access-date=22 February 2013}}</ref></small> |LineColor = 336 }} }}
==Reception== {{multiple image | align = right | image1 = Northern Lights 02.jpg | width1 = 200 | alt1 = | caption1 = | image2 = Aurora borealis over Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.jpg | width2 = 204 | alt2 = | caption2 = | footer = In the single episode, all the main characters watched the Northern Lights. Johnston said they "take your breath away", adding they were "wonderful".<ref name="tvguide">{{cite web|url=http://www.tvchoicemagazine.co.uk/interviewextra/sue-johnston-lapland|title=Sue Johnston - Lapland|date=6 December 2011|first=David|last=Collins|work=TV Guide|access-date=21 December 2012|archive-date=2 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202163003/http://www.tvchoicemagazine.co.uk/interviewextra/sue-johnston-lapland|url-status=dead}}</ref> }} Both ''Lapland'' and ''Being Eileen'' have received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Tom Sutcliffe from ''The Daily Telegraph'' reviewed ''Lapland'' negatively, saying that "the Northern Lights provided the cure-all for family dysfunction", which he called "deeply unconvincing" as the show had been "so sour and bad-tempered up to this point", but did add that there were "some good lines".<ref name="telegraph4-2">{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/reviews/christmas-eve-viewing-outnumbered-bbc1brlapland-bbc1-6281497.html|title=Christmas Eve viewing: Outnumbered, BBC1 Lapland, BBC1|date=26 December 2011|work=The Daily Telegraph|first=Tom|last=Sutcliffe|access-date=21 December 2012}}</ref> However, Gerard Gilbert and Pete Naughton disagreed; Gilbert said that ''Lapland'' was a "heart-warming tale of a Birkenhead family holidaying in Lapland"<ref name="telegraph2">{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/features/the-pick-of-christmas-television-how-to-make-the-most-of-your-holiday-viewing-6280553.html|title=The pick of Christmas television: How to make the most of your holiday viewing|date=23 December 2011|work=The Daily Telegraph|first=Gerard|last=Gilbert|access-date=21 December 2012}}</ref> with Naughton and Paddy Shennan saying that the cast was "strong" for both ''Lapland'' and ''Being Eileen''.<ref name="telegraph3"/><ref name="paddy"/> Naughton added that there were "a handful of smartly observed scenes that will be familiar to many viewers".<ref name="telegraph3"/> Naughton finished, "At points, this takes the programme more into the realm of edgy, ''Shameless''-style drama than gentle festive comedy; but Wynne manages to sugar the pill with a good deal of warm Northern humour".<ref name="telegraph3"/> ''British Comedy Guide'' called ''Lapland'' "unfunny" and "depressing".<ref name="comedyguidereview">{{cite web|url=http://www.comedy.co.uk/guide/tv/being_eileen/|title=Being Eileen: our review|work=The British Comedy Guide|access-date=3 February 2013}}</ref> They said, "The cast were as good as their names and pedigrees suggest, but Christmas spirit? Not likely".<ref name="comedyguidereview"/> They reported that users feedback on Twitter was negative.<ref name="comedyguidereview"/> However, writers from ''Daily Telegraph'' and ''Liverpool Echo'' disagreed, calling the single episode "popular" and that it "went down well" with audiences,<ref name="telegraph4">{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/5602956/TV-highlights.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090701135816/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/5602956/TV-highlights.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 July 2009|title=Today's TV highlights|date=4 February 2013|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=10 February 2013}}</ref><ref name="lpe">{{cite web|url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-entertainment/echo-entertainment/2013/02/04/jade-wright-previews-the-best-programmes-on-tv-tonight-monday-100252-32739639/|title=Jade Wright previews the best programmes on TV tonight (Monday)|date=4 February 2013|work=Liverpool Echo|publisher=Trinity Mirror|access-date=13 February 2013|first=Jade|last=Wright}}</ref> but ''British Comedy Guide'' and Alison Graham of ''Radio Times'', opined that they were "flabbergasted" and "surprised" that the BBC had ordered a series.<ref name="sz"/><ref name="comedyguidereview"/> Shennan of ''Liverpool Echo'' wrote a positive review of ''Being Eileen'' saying that, "Wynne's words raised plenty of smiles" adding, "There were misunderstandings aplenty amid the many pleasing moments".<ref name="paddy"/> However he did complain about the scheduling of the program;
{{Blockquote|text=THE light, inoffensive, not-at-all-in-your-face comedy ''Being Eileen'' is the sort of sitcom I could easily imagine slipping through the Beeb's fingers. But after investing in, holding onto and nurturing Birkenhead writer Michael Wynne's follow-up to one-off Christmas 2011 outing Lapland, you’d think the powers-that-be would see things through to the end. The end being the all-important issue of scheduling, which can help make or break a new programme. ''Being Eileen'' is the definition of family viewing – a pleasant, largely enjoyable, easy on the eyes and ears, mildly diverting half-hour in the company of a grandmother, her children and their children. That's right – exactly the sort of thing you would expect to see warming up the BBC's evening audience at, say, 8pm or 8.30pm. So I wonder if anyone can explain to me – and many others – why it's being thrown away after the national and local news at 10.35pm. Did the BBC decision-makers involved suddenly lose confidence in it and decide to quietly bury it – or have they just lost their marbles?<ref name="paddy">{{cite web|url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-entertainment/echo-entertainment/2013/02/09/paddy-shennan-s-tv-review-being-eileen-bbc1-100252-32773609/|title=Paddy Shennan's TV Review: Being Eileen (BBC1)|date=9 February 2013|work=Liverpool Echo|publisher=Trinity Mirror|first=Paddy|last=Shennan|access-date=28 February 2013}}</ref>|sign=Paddy Shennan|source=''Liverpool Echo''}}
Writers from ''Daily Telegraph'' and ''Liverpool Echo'' included ''Being Eileen'' in its television highlights of the week commencing 4 February 2013,<ref name="telegraph4"/><ref name="lpe"/> as did ''The Guardian'', ''Reveal'', ''The Irish Times'', ''Sunday Mail'', ''Western Mail'', ''Daily Mirror'' and ''Daily Star''.<ref>These critics include: *{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2013/feb/03/dancing-on-the-edge|title=TV highlights 04/02/2013|date=4 February 2013|work=The Guardian|publisher=Guardian News and Media|access-date=4 February 2013}} *{{cite web|url=http://www.reveal.co.uk/lifestyle/news/a455666/mondays-tv-pick-being-eileen.html|title=Monday's TV pick: Being Eileen|date=4 February 2013|work=Reveal|publisher=Nat Mags|access-date=10 February 2013|first=Carena|last=Crawford}} *{{cite news|url=http://www.pressdisplay.com/pressdisplay/viewer.aspx|title=New sitcom: Being Eileen|date=2 February 2013|newspaper=The Irish Times|publisher=Irish Times Trust|access-date=10 February 2013}} *{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Widow's+peak.-a0317335205|title=Widow's peak |work=Sunday Mail|publisher=Trinity Mirror|date=3 February 2013|access-date=10 March 2013}} *{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/7+worth+staying+in+for.-a0317266811|title=7 worth staying in for |work=Western Mail|publisher=Trinity Mirror|date=2 February 2013|access-date=10 March 2013}} *{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/A+new+Lap%3b+We+love+BEST+TV.-a0317263935|title=A new Lap, We love Best TV|work=Daily Mirror|publisher=Trinity Mirror|date=2 February 2013|access-date=10 March 2013|first1=Jen|last1=Rodger|first2=Neil|last2=Batey}} </ref> Sarah Doran from entertainment.ie said of ''Being Eileen''; "If it's anything like ''Lapland'' we'll be hooked",<ref name="hooked">{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.ie/tv-highlight/Being-Eileen/163978.htm|title=Being Eileen TV Review|date=4 February 2013|work=entertainment.ie|access-date=6 February 2013|first=Sarah|last=Doran}}</ref> whilst Alan Corr of ''Raidió Teilifís Éireann'' described the series, "Blame or give credit to ''Gavin & Stacey'', but of late there's been a glut of new provincial English sitcoms that strike the right balance between syrupy and actually quite funny and here's another one to add to the list".<ref name="rte">{{cite journal|url=http://www.rte.ie/ten/2013/0204/tvhighs.html|title=RTÉ Ten's TV picks for today|date=4 February 2013|journal=Raidió Teilifís Éireann|first=Alan|last=Corr|access-date=4 February 2013}}</ref> Adrian Michaels of ''Daily Telegraph'' wrote a positive review upon the airing of the first episode, "Missing", deeming it "funny and touching" adding, "This is classic British comedy territory, finding a deep well of humour in sadness". Michaels praised Johnston's performance, as did Pete Naughton.<ref name="telegraph3">{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/5602956/TV-highlights.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090701135816/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/5602956/TV-highlights.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 July 2009|title=Today's TV highlights|date=18 December 2011|work=The Daily Telegraph|first=Pete|last=Naughton|access-date=21 December 2012}}</ref><ref name="telegraph5"/> He carried on to say that the "family units crackle with banter" adding that there are some "glorious" moments.<ref name="telegraph5"/> He called the episode "very enjoyable", a view Michael's colleague, Michael Hogan shared, upon watching the third episode, "Ay Carumba".<ref name="telegraph5">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/9848429/Being-Eileen-BBC-One-review.html|title=Being Eileen, BBC One, review|date=5 February 2013|work=The Daily Telegraph|first=Adrian|last=Michaels|access-date=6 February 2013}}</ref><ref name="telegraphlost">{{cite web|url=http://www.comedy.co.uk/guide/tv/being_eileen/press/|title=Being Eileen - In The Press|date=15 February 2013|work=The Daily Telegraph|first=Michael|last=Hogan|access-date=28 February 2013}}</ref> Michaels finished, "''Being Eileen'' deserved far better than a miserable slot after the 10.00pm news, particularly when we were offered only a repeat of ''Outnumbered'' at 9.00pm", sharing Shennan's point.<ref name="paddy"/><ref name="telegraph5"/> David Higgerson of ''Liverpool Echo'' gave a mixed review, noting the timeslot of the programme as a problem, saying, "What sort of "heart-warming comedy" gets put on the telly on a Monday night, just after the regional news?", calling the show "not very good", finishing, "The problem with ''Being Eileen'' is that in an attempt to be heartwarming, it forgets to be funny. And in trying to set up humorous situations, it loses its heartwarming touch".<ref name="higgerson">{{cite web|url=http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-culture/liverpool-arts/2013/03/07/david-higgerson-being-eileen-is-heart-warming-but-not-very-good-99623-32928949/|title=DAVID HIGGERSON: Being Eileen is heart-warming but not very good|date=7 March 2013|work=Liverpool Echo|publisher=Trinity Mirror|first=David|last=Higgerson|access-date=10 March 2013}}</ref> Again, Sutcliffe, now writing for ''The Independent'', said that ''Being Eileen'' was "alright", saying that the shows "effortful implausibilities for comic effect aren't a deal-breaker", calling the series "not quite necessary".<ref name="independent">{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/reviews/tv-review--dancing-on-the-edge-bbc2-being-eileen-bbc1-8480621.html|title=TV review - Dancing on the Edge, BBC2; Being Eileen, BBC1 |date=5 February 2013|work=The Independent|publisher=Independent Print Limited|first=Tom|last=Sutcliffe|access-date=6 February 2013}}</ref> Contrastingly, Chris Dunkley, a former critic of ''Financial Times'' predicted that the show would be "extremely popular", calling it "cleverly made" after he watched the first episode of the series.<ref name="radiocd">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01qdtqd|title=Terry and Bill Jones, Chiwetel Ejiofor, I Give It a Year|date=4 February 2013|work=BBC Radio 4|publisher=BBC|first1=Mark|last1=Lawson|first2=Chris|last2=Dunkley|access-date=9 February 2013}}</ref> David Stephenson of ''Sunday Express'' said of the show, "Amazingly, there was cause for optimism during a BBC1 sitcom", adding that he "laughed involuntarily" throughout, adding that the show should have been called ''Come On, Eileen'', a reference shared by ''The Guardian''{{'s}} John Plunkett.<ref name="sundayexpress">{{cite web|url=http://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/tv-radio/376753/A-royal-road-to-learning|title=A royal road to learning|date=10 February 2013|work=Sunday Express|publisher=Express Newspapers|access-date=10 February 2013|first=David|last=Stephenson}}</ref><ref name="guardian2">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/feb/05/richard-third-channel-4-rv-ratings|title=Richard III documentary proves a king-size hit for Channel 4|date=5 February 2013|work=The Guardian|publisher=Guardian News and Media|access-date=10 February 2013|first=John|last=Plunkett}}</ref>
==DVD release== ''Being Eileen'' was released on a one-disk DVD set on 1 April 2013, announced by the BBC.<ref name="dvd">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbcshop.com/comedy/being-eileen-dvd/invt/bbcdvd3803/|title=Being Eileen (DVD)|work=BBC|publisher=BBC Online|access-date=28 February 2013}}</ref> The series has been rated by the British Board of Film Classification between Universal (U) and Parental Guidance (PG).<ref name="dvdrating">{{cite web|title=Search for releases- Being Eileen|url=http://www.bbfc.co.uk/search/releases/being%2Beileen|work=British Board of Film Classification|access-date=28 February 2013}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist|30em}}
==External links== *{{BBC programme}} *[https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b018nnlt ''Lapland''] *{{IMDb title|id=2691732|title=Being Eileen}} *{{IMDb title|id=2091334|title=Lapland}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Being Eileen}} Category:BBC comedy-drama television shows Category:2011 British television series debuts Category:2013 British television series endings Category:2010s British comedy-drama television series Category:British comedy-drama television shows Category:English-language British television shows Category:Television shows set in Merseyside