The pilot aired to critical acclaim last year….

Sophie Willan’s comedy pilot Alma’s Not Normal has been ordered to series at BBC Two. An additional five episodes will be produced with the broadcaster, it’s been announced this week.

The show offered a biting look at darker subjects like addiction, and received enthusiastic reviews after over a million people watched the first episode when it aired late in 2019.

“I’ve been overwhelmed by the fabulous response to the pilot and I’m so excited to be developing the series!”, Wilan said. “I’ve already been using the lockdown as a chance to get cracking so I’m just pleased to have the official go ahead! I can’t wait to get it made and share the world of Alma with everyone!”

“Alma’s Not Normal landed so wonderfully formed with its distinctiveness, heart on sleeve charm, sparky humour and knockout cast”, added the BBC’s Controller of Comedy Commissioning Shane Allen. “Sophie’s raw honesty, eye for characterisation and comedic insouciance have resulted in a cracking show bursting with potential. We just couldn’t resist a series and hope it does the memory and spirit of Caroline Aherne very proud.”

While Nerys Evans, Expectation’s Creative Director for Comedy, remarked: “It’s been such a pleasure working with Sophie on Alma’s Not Normal, she’s innately funny and has such a unique outlook on life. Her writing is so authentic and intelligent; in just one episode she has created such a fully formed world. Her characters are beautifully observed and often flawed and sometimes challenging, but Sophie’s humour allows her to explore some really difficult subjects. I can’t wait to see how the story unfolds across a series as she’s bursting with brilliant ideas.”