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BBC comedy’s future confirmed after Gavin and Stacey star controversy

Things You Should Have Done is back for a second season (Picture: BBC / Roughcut TV / Jack Barnes)

A BBC comedy series that was criticised by a Gavin and Stacey actor is returning for a second series.

Joanna Page made it abundantly clear she wasn’t a fan of Things You Should Have Done after watching its debut episodes when they were first released earlier this year.

On her BBC podcast, Off the Telly, which she hosts with Eastenders actress Natalie Cassidy, she shared her thoughts on the show created by Lucia Keskin, who is also known as Chi with a C.

‘Things You Should Have Done? You know what things I should have done – not bothered to f*****g watch it,’ the rant began.

The 47-year-old continued: ‘I think she’s obviously talented. I thought the show was s**t. I don’t often think that, right? I want to say “Well done on you right because you got your own show.” I haven’t got my own show. I’ve not written anything so you know, flipping heck, that’s amazing.’

‘I thought it was unbearable. It’s not often I can’t watch something. I was so bored. I was so bored.’

Joanna’s comments were criticised (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

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To hammer home the point further, she continued to repeat the word bored another three times, taking the total up to five.

‘My mother could have written it. My mother could have done it. I just thought “My God, this is just unbearable. I’m so bored. I just genuinely am bored. I’m bored”.’

At the time, Lucia, 23, took to X to blast Joanna’s delivery: ‘Criticism is expected with everything it’s a given.

‘HOWEVER there is a way of doing so without making someone feel terrible about their work whilst being in the industry themselves. Dealing with ‘critics’ is hard enough.’ Fans of Lucia’s work also blasted Joanna for perhaps being too harsh.

Lucia responded to the criticism (Picture: BBC / Roughcut TV / Jack Barnes)

A BBC spokesperson provided a statement to Metro.co.uk when contacted regarding the criticism of Joanna’s remarks. 

‘Joanna and Natalie don’t hold back with their honest opinions in Off The Telly and although the series wasn’t Joanna’s cup of tea, she said Lucia Keskin was obviously highly talented and congratulated her on having her own show,’ they said.

‘Natalie said she would continue watching the series which came highly recommended from a listener and her daughter who both loved it and mixed views are exactly what listeners can expect to hear on this refreshingly authentic podcast.’

Things You Should Have Done won Best Comedy Programme at the Broadcast Digital Awards (Picture: BBC / Roughcut TV / Jack Barnes)

The series, which recently won Best Comedy Programme at the Broadcast Digital Awards, follows self-confessed stay-at-home daughter Chi, played by Lucia, as she navigates her way through a list of ‘Things You Should Have Done’ left by her late parents.

In the second series, Chi is forced to continue fending for herself and has to learn to juggle the demands of modern life whilst having to prepare for the arrival of her highly-strung Auntie Karen’s (Selin Hizli) baby. Dave (Dan Fearne) and Lucas (Jamie Bisping) will also return as loveable father and son caught up in the chaos.

Lucia joked: ‘The BBC gave us the devastating news that we have to go again for series two which means I might actually have to work again. Gutted.’ She also posted a humorous video on her Instagram, where she pretended to be scammed by an account posing as the BBC.

The brains behind the operation previously spoke to Metro.co.uk about the inspiration.

Lucia wanted to create something funny about grief after losing her grandad two years ago. ‘I’ve always loved dark humour and making light of times that are just horrible. When you’re struggling, it can give you relief,’ she shared.

Before TV, the rising star was known for her comical videos that she shared on social media. She has created one-woman sketches spoofing everything from Selling Sunset to Motherland, and ironically, Gavin and Stacey.

She also went viral for opening her GCSEs on camera and reacting to her low marks. Lucia never predicted that this moment would eventually lead to her new show which meant having to perform in front of others on set, but she did have quiet ambition.

‘I knew I was going to fail my exams so I wanted to make the most of it. If you’re not confident with it then it’s embarrassing.’

She continued: ‘What happened next was unintentional, but I think deep down, this is what I wanted.’

Things You Should Have Done series one is available to watch on BBC iPlayer

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