Vittorio Angelone and Hannah McClean to star in new comedy series

Vittorio Angelone and Hannah McClean are set to star in the new work place comedy, Rewarding, shooting in Belfast.

The six-part series, commissioned by BBC Northern Ireland and U.S. streamer Wonder Project, will follow the lives of care workers as they look after disabled and neurodivergent clients.

The show was commissioned based on a pilot that stared Angelone and Seána Kerslake with the same title. Angelone will be reprising his role as the pragmatic Francis, with McClean taking on the role of newcomer Sinead. Set in a domiciliary care facility Beacon Fold, it draws on the lived experience of disabled and neurodivergent individuals.

Also joining the cast are Bernadette Brown (Say Nothing) as Fidelma, Joanne Crawford (Blue Lights) as Nicola and Faolan Morgan (Hope Street) as Cyril. Lee Snodgrass made his acting debut as Cal in the Rewarding pilot and John Moffat as Joe will be his first acting role in television. Faith Alabi (Industry) will play Martina.

The writers are Paddy Campbell, Faebian Averies and Matthew McDevitt, whose experience working in social care fueled the story. It's produced by Conker Pictures, a Banjay UK company that are handling international distribution.

Rewarding was developed as part of BBC Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen's Green Lit scheme that was launched in 2024. The scheme selected six short films for funding, three progressing to full production. Green Lit Round Two is currently underway.

Speaking to the BBC, "Developing and championing new talent is at the heart of what Northern Ireland Screen does," said Chief Executive Richard Williams "and Green Lit was created to give emerging writers, directors, producers and performers a meaningful opportunity."

Vittorio Angelone will be featured in our new issue of Hot Press, which will be out this week.