Written by Sharon Horgan (Pulling) and Holly Walsh, Dead Boss is a new comedy with a little murder mystery thrown in, starring Sharon alongside Jennifer Saunders (Absolutely Fabulous).

Episode 1 airs at 10.30pm on Thursday 14th June on BBC Three.

CultBox caught up with writer Holly Walsh to find out more…

Can you tell us a bit about the basic concept of Dead Boss and how the idea developed?

“Dead Boss is, in a nutshell, a story about a woman (Helen) who is falsely imprisoned for killing her boss. However, once she’s inside – no one is all that keen to help her get out. Helen has to prove her innocence from inside, whilst also trying to keep on the right side of the governor, guards, top dog and other inmates.

“Sharon had the idea of a woman in prison who’s been wrongly convicted, and asked me if it was something I’d be interested in writing with her. So we sat in her kitchen and started coming up with the characters, and developed from there. It’s been the most fun job I’ve ever done.”

How did you first meet Sharon Horgan and how did your writing partnership on Dead Boss begin?

“I met Sharon when I was a writer on Jo Caulfield’s Radio 4 show. It was my first ever comedy job. Sharon is acting in the show, and at the wrap party we made each other laugh a lot. After that we kept in touch, and eventually started working on some stuff together.”

Were you a fan of Sharon’s previous BBC Three show, Pulling?

“Of course!”

Sharon stars in the show as Helen. Do you appear in the show yourself?

“I have a tiny cameo. I don’t have any lines and I don’t really move, but I really made the part my own.”

Did you have Jennifer Saunders in mind for the part of the governor, Margaret, when you were writing?

“Yes. She’s so amazing. I still can’t believe she agreed to do it!”

What’s Jennifer’s character like in Dead Boss?

“She’s a bit like a sexy Googie Withers. She’s the prison governor, and she’s more psychotic than anyone in the prison. That’s why she’s so good at her job. And also so bad at her job.”

You’ve also got cameo appearances from Caroline Quentin, Miranda Richardson, John Sessions and Carl Barat. Can you give us any hints about their roles?

“That would be giving the game away, wouldn’t it? They were all amazing.”

Do you have a wishlist of people you’d like to appear?

“Heidi Fleiss!”

Do you already have ideas for a second series if the first is a success?

“Yes, we do. Fingers crossed we get one!”

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