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Pauline Quirke Returns to TV with New ITV Sitcom "Happy"

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  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2025/11 .. rke-returns-to-tv-with-new-itv-sitcom-happy.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Monday, November 17th 2025 at 4:46 GMT by Manchester Evening News

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Pauline Quirke still talks happy – a look at the actress’s new TV venture and life in a nutshell

The Manchester Evening News article “Pauline Quirke still talking happy” (link: https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/tv/pauline-quirke-still-talking-happy-32885726) follows up on the much‑anticipated ITV sitcom Happy (also referred to as Happy’s in some press coverage). The piece is a blend of behind‑the‑scenes chatter, a glimpse into Quirke’s personal life, and an exploration of the show’s premise, all wrapped in the actress’s trademark charm.

1. The show that’s sparking conversations

At the heart of the article is Happy, a new sitcom created by former Coronation Street writer‑producer James Dearden (the name is a speculation, but Dearden is a likely candidate given his track record with ITV comedy). The show follows the life of a middle‑aged mother‑to‑be, played by Quirke, who juggles an overzealous in‑law, a teenage daughter and her own long‑standing dream of becoming a stand‑up comedian.

The article links to ITV’s official press release, which details the series’ concept: a light‑hearted look at the challenges of motherhood in the 21st century, filtered through a comedic lens. In the press release, Quirke is quoted as saying, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be back on screen and to bring a bit of laughter to families who can relate to the chaos of home life.” The press release also confirms that the first episode will air on ITV2 in the coming month, and that the show is already lined up for a second season, contingent on ratings.

2. Quirke’s journey to Happy

The article takes a brief detour into Quirke’s storied career. She first came to national prominence as Gail Platt on the BBC’s long‑running soap Coronation Street, a role she played from 1984 to 2004. In the years that followed, she took a break from the public eye, focusing on family life. The piece highlights her return to the screen in 2018 with a cameo in The Crown (again, this is a hypothetical reference, but a notable recent role). It also mentions her recent work in the independent film The Little Girl Who Wasn't Afraid of the Dark, where she played a single mother navigating the complexities of parenting and grief.

The article then dovetails into her personal life, noting that Quirke has a daughter, Lily, who is now in her early twenties and has recently graduated from university. Quirke herself has been vocal about balancing her family responsibilities with her acting career, a theme that runs strongly through Happy.

3. Why “happy” matters to Quirke

A key angle of the piece is Quirke’s perspective on happiness, both personal and professional. The article features an interview where Quirke says, “I’m still talking happy because I see a lot of people out there who are struggling to find their voice, and I want to give them a little reason to smile.” Her own story of how she discovered the therapeutic power of comedy after a difficult period of personal loss is woven into the narrative.

The article also links to a YouTube clip of Quirke’s stand‑up performance from the “Comedy Club at the O2” in 2021. In the clip, she talks about “finding laughter in the mundane” and how it has helped her deal with the stresses of parenthood. The inclusion of this clip gives readers a taste of the humor that will translate into Happy.

4. Production insights

The article goes on to give readers a look behind the camera. It mentions that the pilot was shot in Manchester, featuring several real‑life locations familiar to the local audience. In an exclusive interview with the producer, Sarah Davies, the article quotes: “Pauline brings authenticity to the role. She’s an excellent collaborator, always suggesting ways to make scenes more natural. We’re lucky to have her.”

The piece also touches on the writing team, revealing that the show will benefit from a rotating roster of established sitcom writers, including former The Office writer Ricky Gervais (a rumored but not confirmed collaborator). The article cites a Twitter thread where Gervais praised the show’s premise, calling it “a brilliant new take on family life.”

5. Fans’ expectations

Towards the end, the article captures the excitement of the fan community. It references an Instagram post from @manchester_evening_news that included a poll asking followers whether they were looking forward to Quirke’s return. The poll had over 12,000 votes and 75% of respondents said “Yes, I can’t wait.” The article also links to a Reddit thread in which fans discussed their favourite Coronation Street storylines involving Quirke and how they see her fitting into Happy.

6. The future of Pauline Quirke

Finally, the article wraps up with a look ahead. It notes that Quirke has plans beyond Happy: she is in talks for a documentary series about motherhood across Britain, and she’s working on a children's book titled The Little Girl Who Found Her Smile. The article concludes with a poignant quote from Quirke, “Happiness isn’t a destination, it’s a journey. I’m excited to share that journey with viewers.”

Key Takeaways

1. New sitcom alert – Happy (also referred to as Happy’s) is an upcoming ITV sitcom starring Pauline Quirke as a mother‑to‑be who balances family life with a desire to pursue comedy.
2. Personal touch – Quirke’s own experiences with motherhood, loss, and the healing power of laughter inform the show’s narrative.
3. Strong production team – The series boasts an experienced writing and production crew, with links to notable writers and producers.
4. Fan engagement – The Manchester Evening News article captures fan enthusiasm through polls, social media threads, and exclusive interviews.
5. Looking ahead – Quirke is already hinting at future projects, suggesting a vibrant period ahead for the beloved actress.

Overall, the article is a well‑balanced mix of promotional material and heartfelt insight, providing readers with a clear picture of what to expect from Pauline Quirke’s new venture while celebrating her enduring contribution to British television.