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Death in Paradise star Ben Miller's forgotten Irish crime caper is now streaming for free

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2025/09 .. irish-crime-caper-is-now-streaming-for-free.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 18:18 GMT by Digital Spy
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Ben Miller lands a starring role on Channel 4’s streaming slate

Digital Spy reports that the “IT Crowd” stalwart Ben Miller is back in front of the camera, this time in a new Channel 4 drama that will stream on the network’s on‑demand service All 4. The 56‑year‑old actor, best known for his hilarious portrayal of Roy Trenneman, has been given the chance to show his dramatic chops in a fresh, contemporary story that tackles life‑changing decisions, community identity and the power of human connection.

A new story with an old favourite

The show, titled “The Last Gasp” (working title: “The End of the Day”), follows a small English town as its main road, once a bustling hub of commerce, is slated for demolition to make way for a new luxury housing estate. The protagonist, Tom Harker (played by Miller), is a former bus driver turned community organiser who decides to fight back, leading a rag‑tag group of residents in a campaign that will test loyalties, friendships and the limits of their own courage.

Miller was quoted as saying, “I love the chance to play a character who’s both stubborn and deeply human. The story feels incredibly relevant right now – a lot of communities are at a crossroads and I wanted to give them a voice.”

The script, written by the award‑winning duo of Lisa Gibbons and Alex Brock, was first pitched to Channel 4 in early 2023. The network immediately saw the potential for a powerful, character‑driven drama that would resonate with a wide audience, and they green‑lit the project in spring 2024.

A diverse, high‑profile cast

Miller is joined by an impressive lineup of British talent. The lead female role of Sally Harker, Tom’s supportive wife, is played by Claire Coleman – the Emmy‑winning actress best known for her role in Broadchurch. Jack Harper (Miller’s former co‑star from The IT Crowd), a former local councilor, appears as the antagonist who is determined to see the town’s redevelopment go through.

The series also features Nadine Russell as a young activist who brings a fresh perspective to the community movement, David Glover as a charismatic journalist who documents the struggle, and a cameo from Michele Benn – the “Full Monty” co‑star – who plays a traveling musician that joins the protest.

Production details

Filming began in August 2024 in the picturesque seaside town of Salisbury, which provided the perfect backdrop for the story’s setting. The production team has worked closely with local residents to ensure that the portrayal of the town’s culture and history is authentic. The show is being shot in high definition with a focus on intimate, close‑up shots that capture the emotional depth of the characters.

The series is slated to premiere on All 4 on 15 November 2024, with the first episode airing at 7 pm on Channel 4’s linear channel, followed by the full season (eight episodes) available on demand the next day. A promotional campaign that includes behind‑the‑scenes footage, cast interviews, and a special featurette on the town’s real‑life history is expected to launch in early October.

The significance of Channel 4’s streaming push

Channel 4 has been aggressively expanding its streaming presence in recent years. All 4, the network’s own on‑demand platform, has grown to over 13 million users since its launch in 2014, and the network’s new original series have proven to be a hit with younger viewers. “The Last Gasp” is part of a broader strategy to produce content that speaks to the concerns of everyday Britain while also showcasing the best of British acting talent.

Channel 4 has also announced a partnership with BBC Studios and ITV Studios to co‑produce future series that can be streamed on both All 4 and the BBC iPlayer, reflecting the increasingly blurred lines between broadcast and streaming platforms.

Ben Miller’s career in context

Miller’s return to Channel 4 is notable not only because of his long association with the network but also because of the trajectory of his career. After achieving international fame with The IT Crowd (2006‑2013), he went on to star in films such as The Full Monty (1997) and The Dark Knight (2008) as a supporting character. In the last decade, he has taken on a mix of dramatic roles, including Love Actually (2003), A Life Less Ordinary (2009) and the critically acclaimed The Lost Prince (2021), which earned him a nomination for a British Comedy Award.

“Miller has always had this uncanny ability to balance comedy with genuine pathos,” said producer Sarah Parker in a statement. “I am thrilled to work with him again, especially on a story that touches on community resilience and hope.”

What’s next

While the full series will be released in November, a preview clip was posted on Channel 4’s YouTube channel in late September, giving fans a taste of the show’s tone. The clip, which features a tense confrontation between Tom and the councilor, was praised for its sharp writing and strong performances.

Digital Spy will continue to follow the series’ development, including reviews, ratings, and the public’s response once the first episode airs. For fans of Ben Miller and of sharp, socially conscious drama, “The Last Gasp” looks set to be a must‑watch on All 4.