4 x30’ exclusively for Sky Atlantic HD

London, Thursday 19 January, 2012: Kathy Burke is one of the UK’s most loved and well known comedians and actors, nominated for multiple BAFTA® awards, winner of Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival and recipient of a British Comedy Award. Walking and Talking, a brand new comedy series for Sky Atlantic HD, is Burke’s first ever piece of writing for television, where she will tell the story of how she became the person she is now, from humble beginnings on the streets of Islington.

Young Kathy harboured a dream to be an actress, but circumstance and her upbringing made it an unlikely dream. Walking and Talking tells stories inspired from her teenage years - time spent skiving from school with her best friend, talking about boys and planning for the future.

The four-part series, entirely written by Burke, follows the success of her Little Cracker film which transmitted on Sky 1 HD over Christmas 2010 and told the story of how a chance meeting with the band The Clash affected her life so deeply.

Reprising their roles as Kathy and her best friend Mary are Ami Metcalf (Upstairs Downstairs, Doctors) and Aimee-Ffion Edwards (Jerusalem, Luther, Skins). Kathy Burke herself will also appear in each episode as Angry Nun, alongside Sean Gallagher (Coronation Street, Linda Green, Death in Paradise) who will play Pretty Nun, and stand-up comedy legend Jerry Sadowitz as Jimmy the Jew.

Talking about the show, Kathy Burke commented: “I wanted to write a semi-autobiographical piece that was uplifting and heart-warming. Walking and Talking is my love letter to books, 70's television, music and friendship."

Lucy Lumsden, Head of Comedy, Sky, added: “We loved Kathy's Little Cracker so much we demanded more. We are immensely proud to have this exquisite series for Sky Atlantic HD."

Walking and Talking is a Tiger Aspect Production for Sky Atlantic HD.  It was commissioned by Lucy Lumsden, Head of Comedy, Sky.  The series is Executive Produced by Lumsden and Sam Ward for Sky, alongside Ben Cavey and Sophie Clarke-Jervoise for Tiger Aspect.  The series is written by Kathy Burke, produced by Pippa Brown and directed by Tim Kirkby (Stewart Lee's Comedy Vehicle, Look Around You).

Walking and Talking is part of Sky's commitment to increase its investment in original British content by 50% over the next three years. By 2014, Sky expects to invest £600 million a year in British programmes across its portfolio of channels.  This commitment follows the success of home-grown content such as entertainment hits GOT TO DANCE, AN IDIOT ABROAD and A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN, dramas such as STRIKE BACK and MAD DOGS, comedies such as TROLLIED, SPY and THIS IS JINSY, and factual shows such as ROSS KEMP EXTREME WORLD and the BAFTA-winning documentary FLYING MONSTERS 3D.

For further information please contact

Luke Morrison - Publicity Manager, Sky Atlantic HD
T: 020 7032 1479
E: Luke.Morrison@bskyb.com