Blue Lights star swaps gritty police drama for brand-new BBC comedy - see first look

The BBC has unveiled a first look at the upcoming six-part comedy Rewarding, starring Blue Lights actress Hannah McClean – and it sounds brilliant. 

Penned by Matthew McDevitt (Hope Street), Paddy Campbell (Bodkin), and Faebian Averies (Bergerac), the series follows the lives of two support workers in Northern Ireland. 

Hannah leads the cast alongside comedian Vittorio Angelone in his first major acting role. 

Keep reading to find out more. 

What is Rewarding about? 

The series depicts the highs and lows of social care, centring on two support workers doing their best to care for their clients – if not always each other. 

While newcomer Sinead is an "unstoppable force of positivity and idealism," old hand Francis is the "immovable object of reality and pragmatism". 

The synopsis continues: "The series features disabled, neurodivergent and learning disabled talent in key roles and draws on lived experience to bring authenticity and nuance to its portrayal of social care."

Who else stars in Rewarding? 

Bernadette Brown (Say Nothing) plays Fidelma, alongside Joanne Crawford (Blue Lights) as Nicola, and Faolan Morgan (Art Detectives, Hope Street) as Cyril, who all work in the care system. 

Their clients, Cal, Martina and Joe, are played by Lee Snodgrass, Faith Alabi (Industry) and John Moffat, respectively.

Hannah McClean takes over the role of Sinead from Seána Kerslake (Bad Sisters), who starred in the 2025 pilot episode last year.

Rewarding is coming to the BBC this autumn.

More comedies to stream on BBC iPlayer now

• Here We Go – This hilarious, heartwarming BBC comedy follows the Jessop family as they navigate life's everyday challenges. The series stars Ghosts' Jim Howick, alongside Rivals actress Katherine Parkinson and Gavin & Stacey's Alison Steadman.
• Ann Droid – Created by and starring Diane Morgan (Motherland, Cunk on Britain), the series follows grieving widow Sue (Sue Johnston) and her outdated care robot, who "gets things very wrong and causes chaos while also teaching Sue how to love life again."
• Colin From Accounts – The hit Australian comedy, penned by real-life couple Patrick Brammall and Harriet Dyer, follows two singles Gordon and Ashley, who are brought together by a car accident and an injured dog.