If you are one of the many Brits suffering from Alan Carr withdrawal after the dramatic conclusion of Celebrity Traitors, we have some excellent news for you. The comedian's celebrated semi-autobiographical sitcom, Changing Ends, is available to stream right now, offering the perfect fix of his unique humour.
From Traitor to Teenager: What is Changing Ends?
While his time as a devious traitor on the BBC reality show has concluded, Carr's presence on our screens is far from over. For both new and existing fans, the third season of Changing Ends lands on ITV later this month. This makes it the ideal time to catch up on the first two seasons, which are streaming immediately on ITVX.
The sitcom, set in 1980s Northampton, delves into Carr's own coming-of-age story. It follows a young Alan as he navigates the awkward journey towards puberty. The acclaimed series doesn't shy away from tackling issues like homophobia and neighbourhood dynamics in 1980s England, all while maintaining a hilarious and heartfelt core.
Critical Acclaim and Rave Reviews
Changing Ends has achieved a perfect 100% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, accompanied by an equally impressive 90% audience score. Critics have been unanimous in their praise. The Guardian described it as 'a light, self-deprecating slice of hilarity', while The Independent declared it 'the making of a national treasure'.
Viewers have also flocked to share their enthusiasm online. One fan, Mike Broderick, wrote on Google Reviews: 'Changing Ends is a great show. It's hilarious but has a great heart at its centre... The cast is superb – especially Oliver Savell as the young Alan.'
Another viewer, Dionne Hampson, echoed this sentiment, calling it a 'funny, nostalgic, heartwarming binge-worthy series' that had her 'cry laughing'.
A Glimpse Behind the Scenes and a Charitable Gesture
The show features Oliver Savell in the standout role of the young Alan Carr, with strong support from Shaun Dooley and Nancy Sullivan. In a 2023 interview with The Guardian, Carr revealed his parents' contrasting reactions to the sitcom. His mother, Christine, is firmly on 'Team Alan', while his father, Graham, reportedly found the portrayal 'incredibly sad'.
In related news, following his successful stint on Celebrity Traitors, Alan Carr donated his entire £87,500 prize pot to Neuroblastoma UK. This children's cancer charity funds research into neuroblastoma, an embryonal tumour, in the hope of finding more effective treatments and a cure.
Reflecting on his win and the donation, Carr stated: 'The charity is so close to my heart that it all became a bit too much. Hopefully when people see how upset I was they won't feel so bad that I killed all those national treasures.'
Seasons one and two of Changing Ends are streaming now on ITVX, with the highly anticipated third season arriving before the end of the month, promising more of Alan Carr's signature charm well into December.
