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First look at Death in Paradise star Ardal O'Hanlon in new comedy

ardal o'hanlon, darragh humphreys, fran the man
First look at Death in Paradise star's new comedyForty Footy Pictures

New images have been released of upcoming comedy Fran The Man, which stars Death in Paradise's Ardal O'Hanlon.

The film, which is based on the football mockumentary series Fran, will see Fran Costello working undercover to save the beautiful game from match fixing.

The original show aired from 2009 to 2011, and now, O'Hanlon will join Darragh Humphreys as he reprises his titular role from the series. They will also be surrounded by an exciting new ensemble cast including Amy Huberman, Risteard Cooper, Toni O'Rourke and Deirdre O'Kane.

ardal o'hanlon, darragh humphreys, fran the man
Forty Footy Pictures

Related: The true story behind Netflix's The Beautiful Game

The film's official logline reads: "When non-league St Peter's Celtic are drawn to play titans Shamrock Rovers in the first round of the FAI Cup, assistant manager Fran Costello hopes his team will pull off one of the greatest shocks in football history. But it isn't long before the shit really hits the Fran…"

Written by Richie Conroy (Malory Towers) and directed by Stephen Bradley (Last One Laughing), the mockumentary has already begun filming in Dublin.

"I'm very happy to be shooting Fran The Man with Richie Conroy's very funny and clever script, under the banner of Collie McCarthy's Forty Foot Pictures. We have assembled an inspiring cast and crew and their energy will be up on screen in the form of loads of laughs and a whole lot of heart," said Bradley.

darragh humphreys, amy huberman, fran the man
Forty Footy Pictures

Related: Ralf Little announces Death in Paradise departure

O'Hanlon played DI Jack Mooney in Death in Paradise until 2020 and was replaced by Ralf Little's DI Neville Parker, who also recently exited the show. Though the next lead is yet to be announced, there has been speculation of who should get the role.

Death in Paradise will return to our screens later this year for a feature-length Christmas special, followed by a new series in 2025.

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