Diane Morgan has solidified her status as one of Britain's finest comedic actresses with her latest BBC creation, Ann Droid. The show, which Morgan created, produced, and starred in as the titular robot Linda, has drawn 4.6 million viewers across seven days, making it the highest-rated show on the BBC, beaten only by the World Cup. This impressive figure already outpaces the previous BBC comedy breakout, Small Prophets, which has been renewed for a second season, suggesting that Ann Droid's success may lead to a similar renewal.
A Unique Premise and Challenging Role
Ann Droid follows the story of Linda, a robot who moves into the home of Sue!Sue!Sue! (played by Sue Johnston), a grieving widow needing help with daily tasks after her son Michael (Paul Ready) returns with his wife. Morgan took on the challenging task of playing an inanimate being, admitting it was 'really difficult' to portray a humanoid who couldn't express emotion yet remained the heart of the show. Despite the constraints of a frozen face, no blinking, and a generic voice, Morgan's performance leveraged physical comedy and impeccable timing to deliver numerous laugh-out-loud moments.
Her portrayal included an absent, wandering gaze to awkwardly end conversations, a bizarre way of bending her body to complete tasks, and a complete lack of social filter, all of which contributed to a brilliant performance. The precise tilt of her head after hearing about human experiences and her candid declarations about people's affairs were wonderfully executed, showcasing her ability to bring depth to a seemingly emotionless character.
Physical Comedy and Heartwarming Dynamics
Morgan also created the perfect robot smile, deployed at unexpected times, and the recurring gag of playing 'party music' (Cotton Eye Joe) whenever the mood got serious endeared her to audiences. Her dynamic with Sue and the slow burn of their friendship was heartwarming, grounding the show with a profound storyline that made viewers genuinely invested in the characters' wellbeing. The fact that she came across as a believable robot all the same is a testament to her skill, honed over years of playing awkwardly oblivious characters in shows like Motherland and Mandy.
The general public seems to agree with this assessment, as the show's ratings indicate. Ann Droid's success is not just a win for Morgan but also for BBC comedy, which has struggled to find hits in recent years. The show's ability to blend absurdity with heart is a rare talent, cementing Morgan's place in the British comedy hall of fame.
Impact and Future Prospects
With 4.6 million viewers, Ann Droid has outperformed expectations, and fans are hopeful that this is not the last we've seen of Linda and Sue!Sue!Sue!. The show is available to stream on BBC iPlayer, and its popularity suggests that Morgan's unique brand of humor resonates with a wide audience. As a senior TV reporter noted, Diane Morgan's ability to turn ridiculous characters and premises into ratings hits is a rare talent, and Ann Droid is a prime example of her comedic genius.
