Irvine comedian ditches the stage for the wee screen

Dec 14 2012 by Ross Dunn, Irvine Herald

Irvine comedian Billy Kirkwood is set to swap the stage for the small screen, with a TV acting role.

The stand-up comedian, best known for presenting the Scottish Secret Policeman’s Ball and his one-man comedy shows, has been asked to film a part for ITV’s detective drama, Vera.

Kirkwood Tweeted last week, saying that he was travelling to Newcastle to film the part.

Via his Twitter handle, @billykirkwood, the comedian said: “In perhaps one of the Bizarre-est showbizzy things ever, i’m back down to Newcastle this week to film a part on ITV drama ‘Vera’ #weird”.

The show – which stars Brenda Blethyn and is based on the works of crime author, Ann Cleeves – is currently filming its third series.

The new series will consist of four 100-minute episodes to be broadcast near Easter 2013.

The show is also broadcast in the United States on public television stations.