BBC Only Child plot, cast and episode count as new comedy series launches

Scottish actor Greg McHugh stars in Only Child (Image: BBC)

The new comedy, Only Child, features an actor returning to his family home in Scotland to assist his recently widowed father, Ken. The BBC series follows Richard (Greg McHugh), a bit-part actor who travels from London back to his family home in Forres in the Scottish Highlands, for a long overdue visit to his recently-widowed father Ken (Gregor Fisher).

However, he soon realises that his father might require more full-time assistance, despite his father's disagreement. The renowned Scottish comedian, Gregor Fisher, stars in this new comedy series, which will be available in its entirety on BBC iPlayer for binge-watching.

Here's everything you need to know about the new Scottish comedy series, including the plot, number of episodes, release date, and cast.

What is the plot of Only Child?

Only Child revolves around Richard Pritchard returning to his family home in Scotland to support his recently widowed father, Ken. The series explores their handling of domestic and inter-generational differences as well as disputes with neighbours.

A plot summary from BBC reads: "Bit-part actor Richard’s long overdue visit to recently widowed Ken makes him realise his dad may need a bit more full time help.

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"Not that Ken would agree, of course, but that statement is pretty much true about anything. An eccentric, strong-willed technophobe, Ken is set in his ways, leaving Richard worrying about his dad growing old."

A fresh collaboration between BBC Comedy and BBC Scotland, Only Child is a production by Happy Tramp North. The show was commissioned by Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning at BBC Scotland, and Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy.

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Actors Gregor Fisher and Greg McHugh star as father and son, Ken and Richard Pritchard in Only Child (Image: BBC) How many episodes does Only Child have and what is the TV schedule?

Only Child will air on BBC Scotland at 10pm on Thursday, November 21. For those outside Scotland, the first episode can be viewed on BBC One at 9.30am on Friday, November 22.

The new Scottish comedy, Only Child, will consist of six episodes, each approximately 30 minutes long. All six episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer from Thursday, November 21.

Richard Pritchard (GREG McHUGH) with Emily (AMY LENNOX) in BBC Scotland comedy Only Child (Image: BBC) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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Who stars in Only Child?

Gregor Fisher and Greg McHugh take on the roles of father and son, Ken and Richard Pritchard. Greg McHugh is known to many as Howard from Fresh Meat and Gary Tank Commander, while Gregor Fisher is best recognised for his role as Rab C.Nesbitt in the cult comedy series and Love Actually.

In addition to Fisher and McHugh, Only Child features a host of Scottish and Irish talent including Amy Lennox (Holby City, Shetland), Stuart Bowman (Rebus, Guilt, Gary Tank Commander) and Forbes Masson (The Crown, EastEnders).

Other cast members include Clare Barrett (Fair City, Sisters), Robin Laing (Guilt, The Gold) and Paul Rattray (Jamestown, Game of Thrones).