Franklin – Now Streaming on Apple TV

Apple TV’s sweeping and epic drama Franklin is now available to stream worldwide! The first 3 episodes are available now with new episodes released every Friday through 17 May.

Daniel Mays stars as Edward Bancroft.

Franklin a new limited series starring and executive produced by Academy, Emmy and AFI Lifetime Achievement Award winner Michael Douglas, will premiere globally on Apple TV+ with the first three episodes of its eight-episode season on Friday, April 12, followed by one new episode every Friday through May 17, 2024.

Based on Pulitzer Prize winner Stacy Schiff’s book, “A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America,” “Franklin” explores the thrilling story of the greatest gamble of Benjamin Franklin’s career. In December 1776, Franklin is world famous for his electrical experiments, but his passion and power are put to the test when — as the fate of American independence hangs in the balance — he embarks on a secret mission to France.

At age 70, without any diplomatic training, Franklin convinced an absolute monarchy to underwrite America’s experiment in democracy. By virtue of his fame, charisma and ingenuity, Franklin outmaneuvered British spies, French informers and hostile colleagues to engineer the Franco-American alliance of 1778 and the peace treaty with England in 1783. The eight-year French mission stands as Franklin’s most vital service to his country, without which America could not have won the Revolution. Diplomats and historians still regard it as the greatest single tour of duty by an ambassador in our nation’s history.

The eight-year French mission stands as Franklin’s most vital service to his country, without which America could not have won the Revolution. Diplomats and historians still regard it as the greatest single tour of duty by an ambassador in our nation’s history.

The drama also stars Noah Jupe (“A Quiet Place”) as Temple Franklin, Thibault de Montalembert (“Call My Agent!”) as Comte de Vergennes, Daniel Mays (“Line of Duty”) as Edward Bancroft, Ludivine Sagnier (“Lupin”) as Madame Brillon, Eddie Marsan (“Ray Donovan”) as John Adams, Assaad Bouab (“Call My Agent!”) as Beaumarchais, Jeanne Balibar (“Irma Vep”) as Madame Helvetius and Theodore Pellerin (“There’s Someone Inside Your House”) as Marquis de Lafayette.

In addition to Douglas, the creative team includes Emmy and WGA Award-winning writer and executive producer Kirk Ellis, and Emmy, WGA and Pulitzer Prize Award-nominated writer and executive producer Howard Korder. Emmy and DGA Award-winning director Tim Van Patten serves as director and executive producer. Richard Plepler executive produces through EDEN Productions, Tony Krantz through Flame Ventures, and Philippe Maigret and Mark Mostyn also executive produce. Stacy Schiff also serves as co-executive producer. “Franklin” is a coproduction between ITV Studios America and Apple Studios.

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Franklin: Press and Appearances

We are gearing up for the Apple TV premiere of Franklin on 12 April.

Daniel Mays will have press and appearances to be on the lookout for:

TV: BBC Breakfast – Danny’s interview begins at the 2 hour 50 minute mark.

Radio: Saturday 30 March at 6:15PM BBC Radio 4 – Loose Ends

Saturday 6 April at 10AM BBC Radio 2 with Anita Rani

Friday 19 April: BBC 5 Headliners with Gordon Smart

Interviews:

Guardian ‘I was always able to get away with things’: Daniel Mays on playing bent coppers, acting opposite Michael Douglas, and working-class bias

Deadline – Breaking Baz

Telegraph – Culture and the arts should never be for the privileged few

Check back for updates!

Follow Daniel Mays on Twitter @DanielMays9 and Instagram @danielmays9 and Threads @danielmays9

Franklin – Trailer

Apple TV has released the first trailer for Franklin:

Franklin a new limited series starring and executive produced by Academy, Emmy and AFI Lifetime Achievement Award winner Michael Douglas, will premiere globally on Apple TV+ with the first three episodes of its eight-episode season on Friday, April 12, followed by one new episode every Friday through May 17, 2024.

Based on Pulitzer Prize winner Stacy Schiff’s book, “A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America,” “Franklin” explores the thrilling story of the greatest gamble of Benjamin Franklin’s career. In December 1776, Franklin is world famous for his electrical experiments, but his passion and power are put to the test when — as the fate of American independence hangs in the balance — he embarks on a secret mission to France.

At age 70, without any diplomatic training, Franklin convinced an absolute monarchy to underwrite America’s experiment in democracy. By virtue of his fame, charisma and ingenuity, Franklin outmaneuvered British spies, French informers and hostile colleagues to engineer the Franco-American alliance of 1778 and the peace treaty with England in 1783. The eight-year French mission stands as Franklin’s most vital service to his country, without which America could not have won the Revolution. Diplomats and historians still regard it as the greatest single tour of duty by an ambassador in our nation’s history.

The eight-year French mission stands as Franklin’s most vital service to his country, without which America could not have won the Revolution. Diplomats and historians still regard it as the greatest single tour of duty by an ambassador in our nation’s history.

The drama also stars Noah Jupe (“A Quiet Place”) as Temple Franklin, Thibault de Montalembert (“Call My Agent!”) as Comte de Vergennes, Daniel Mays (“Line of Duty”) as Edward Bancroft, Ludivine Sagnier (“Lupin”) as Madame Brillon, Eddie Marsan (“Ray Donovan”) as John Adams, Assaad Bouab (“Call My Agent!”) as Beaumarchais, Jeanne Balibar (“Irma Vep”) as Madame Helvetius and Theodore Pellerin (“There’s Someone Inside Your House”) as Marquis de Lafayette.

In addition to Douglas, the creative team includes Emmy and WGA Award-winning writer and executive producer Kirk Ellis, and Emmy, WGA and Pulitzer Prize Award-nominated writer and executive producer Howard Korder. Emmy and DGA Award-winning director Tim Van Patten serves as director and executive producer. Richard Plepler executive produces through EDEN Productions, Tony Krantz through Flame Ventures, and Philippe Maigret and Mark Mostyn also executive produce. Stacy Schiff also serves as co-executive producer. “Franklin” is a coproduction between ITV Studios America and Apple Studios.

Check back for more news as we get closer to the worldwide premiere on 12 April.

Follow Daniel Mays on Twitter @DanielMays9 and Instagram @danielmays9 and Threads @danielmays9

Olivier Awards Nominations

Great news today that Daniel Mays has been nominated for a Best Actor in a Musical Olivier Awards for his stellar performance of Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls at The Bridge Theatre!

Guys and Dolls cast and creative are also up for an amazing 9 Olivier Awards!!

Congratulations to Danny and the Guys and Dolls team. We are thrilled for everyone!

The Olivier Awards 2024 with Mastercard will return on Sunday 14 April 2024 at the Royal Albert Hall, presented by Emmy winner and multi-Olivier nominee Hannah Waddingham. Hightlights of the awards will be presented on ITV & ITVX later in the evening.

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©DanielMays.co.uk

Daniel Mays Official Social Media Accounts

There are always people and accounts that will impersonate celebrities on social media so we’d like to remind you that Daniel Mays has NO official presence on Facebook. There is a particular account that continues to impersonate Daniel Mays by copying his Instagram posts word for word and use his photos and videos. This fake Facebook account will even reply as “Danny”. It has been confirmed by Danny that this Facebook account is NOT him.

Of course, Twitter/X changed the verified accounts to a pay service and Danny does not have a blue verified check there at this point. Should that change, we will do an update. Also, accounts can now pay to be “verified” on social media but please only follow the accounts that we have listed below for Danny. Any other accounts that say that they are Danny or his representatives are impersonating and should be reported for impersonation on whichever social media platform.

The official and verified Daniel Mays social media accounts are:

Twitter/X
Instagram
Threads

Team Daniel Mays/Daniel Mays Fans social media accounts with official news updates for Daniel Mays:

Twitter/X
Instagram
Threads

If you are ever not sure of an account please feel reach out to us here or on socials. This is the only website that Daniel Mays is officially associated with.

As always, thank you for your continued support of Danny!

Follow Daniel Mays on Twitter @DanielMays9 and Instagram @danielmays9 and Threads @danielmays9

©DanielMays.co.uk

Bookish – Daniel Mays Joins Mark Gatiss Series

It’s been a busy and exciting week for Daniel Mays including the announcement that he has joined the cast of the upcoming Mark Gatiss series Bookish for UKTV’s Alibi channel. Filming commences soon in Belgium.

UKTV’s catalogue of original drama continues to grow, with the commission of six-part series, Bookish (6×70′) for its specialist crime drama channel Alibi. The UKTV original series has been created by Emmy Award-winning writer Mark Gatiss (The League of Gentlemen, Sherlock) and is produced by Eagle Eye Drama. As international partner, Beta Film will handle the world sales.

Mark Gatiss writes and stars as the erudite and unconventional Gabriel Book who, from his antiquarian bookshop, helps the police to solve a variety of mysterious crimes. With three main cases in the series, each storyline spans two-episode instalments. The series will air on Alibi in 2025.

Mark Gatiss said To misquote Goodfellas: “All my life I’ve wanted to be a detective!” I couldn’t be more excited to be bringing this series to the screen, and to plunge viewers into our intoxicating version of post-War London. It’s an under-examined time and an under-examined world and Bookish is the strange, funny and thrilling show that I’ve always wanted to make.

Starring alongside Mark Gatiss will be Polly Walker (Bridgerton, Line of Duty) who plays Book’s colourful wife Trottie. Bookish will also feature a wealth of guest stars, including Joely Richardson (The Gentleman, The Ballad of Renegade Nell), Daniel Mays (The Long Shadow, Code 404) and Jonas Nay (Deutschland 83, Concordia). Other returning core cast members include Connor Finch (Everything I Know About Love) as Jack, Olivier award-winner Elliot Levey (We Were the Lucky ones, Quiz) as Inspector Bliss and Buket Kömür (Our House) as Nora.

London, 1946 is the dynamic, dangerous and chaotic setting for this stylish new detective drama, with the eccentric Gabriel Book (Gatiss) at the very heart of the story: a self-appointed consultant detective to the local police. The thousands of books that line the shelves of his shop provide him with all the knowledge he needs.

Book has gathered around him a host of lovable, damaged misfits whom he informally protects, cajoles, and mentors. His wife Trottie (Walker) runs the wallpaper shop next door. She’s a charismatic adventuress whom Book loves deeply but not physically, for they are in a ‘lavender’ marriage to help conceal Book’s sexual orientation in a time when it was illegal to be gay.

Bookish marries post-war nostalgia with the reckless and life-affirming atmosphere of the times, creating a fast-paced and stylish detective drama.

The UKTV Original series has been commissioned by Helen Perry, head of drama for UKTV, and ordered by Emma Ayech, channel director for Alibi, and Hilary Rosen, director of commissioning. Executive producers for Eagle Eye Drama are Jo McGrath and Walter Iuzzolino. The series is co-written with Matthew Sweet and will be directed by Carolina Giammetta (Suspect S2, Hollington Drive) and produced by Christopher Arcache (Hotel Portofino).

Helen Perry said: “UKTV is the home for writers’ passion projects, and we are so proud to be working with the exceptionally talented Mark Gatiss on his, along with the effervescent team at Eagle Eye. Mark’s unique detective thriller is full of wit and heart, with a central platonic love story that is sure to enthral audiences. And because Book is a gay man, at a time when it was illegal to be so, we are proud that the drama shines a light on an important LGBTQ+ story. The star-studded cast Eagle Eye have already put together is tribute to the sure-fire hit Bookish is to become.”

Emma Ayech added: “The story and setting of this brand-new drama is perfect for the Alibi audience and I’m excited to see how the wonderful cast and crew bring it to life on screen. We have a wealth of UKTV original dramas coming down the track and I’m thrilled we’re adding this fantastic addition into the mix.”

Jo McGrath, chief creative officer for Eagle Eye Drama said: “There are some characters, some ideas that just leap off the page and demand to be realised. Book, Trottie and the clever crimes Mark Gatiss has woven around the precinct of Archangel Lane is one of those projects. The answer to every crime can be found in a book and in Bookish, Mark Gatiss has created a unique, memorable and stand out new detective series.”

Oliver Bachert, chief distribution officer, Beta Film commented: “With Bookish, we are thrilled to unveil a truly unique and compelling series that blends a classic detective story with the rich tapestry of post-war London, brought to life by the brilliant Mark Gatiss. With its mix of mystery, history, and heartfelt drama, it is another milestone in our successful partnership with Eagle Eye Drama. Bookish is sure to become a great example of a sophisticated crime drama and instant classic for audiences around the world. We’re proud to bring this exciting series to the global stage.”

The series is being produced in association with Happy Duck Films and is supported by the Belgian Tax Shelter.

Check back for more updates on this exciting new series!

Follow Daniel Mays on Twitter @DanielMays9 and Instagram @danielmays9 and Threads @danielmays9

Franklin – Apple TV Premiere Friday 12 April

Apple announced today at the Winter TCA’s that Franklin will premiere worldwide on Friday, 12 April! Daniel Mays co-stars in this exciting series as Edward Bancroft. A first look at the series is included in the above video.

Franklin a new limited series starring and executive produced by Academy, Emmy and AFI Lifetime Achievement Award winner Michael Douglas, will premiere globally on Apple TV+ with the first three episodes of its eight-episode season on Friday, April 12, followed by one new episode every Friday through May 17, 2024.

Based on Pulitzer Prize winner Stacy Schiff’s book, “A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America,” “Franklin” explores the thrilling story of the greatest gamble of Benjamin Franklin’s career. In December 1776, Franklin is world famous for his electrical experiments, but his passion and power are put to the test when — as the fate of American independence hangs in the balance — he embarks on a secret mission to France.

At age 70, without any diplomatic training, Franklin convinced an absolute monarchy to underwrite America’s experiment in democracy. By virtue of his fame, charisma and ingenuity, Franklin outmaneuvered British spies, French informers and hostile colleagues to engineer the Franco-American alliance of 1778 and the peace treaty with England in 1783. The eight-year French mission stands as Franklin’s most vital service to his country, without which America could not have won the Revolution. Diplomats and historians still regard it as the greatest single tour of duty by an ambassador in our nation’s history.

The eight-year French mission stands as Franklin’s most vital service to his country, without which America could not have won the Revolution. Diplomats and historians still regard it as the greatest single tour of duty by an ambassador in our nation’s history.

The drama also stars Noah Jupe (“A Quiet Place”) as Temple Franklin, Thibault de Montalembert (“Call My Agent!”) as Comte de Vergennes, Daniel Mays (“Line of Duty”) as Edward Bancroft, Ludivine Sagnier (“Lupin”) as Madame Brillon, Eddie Marsan (“Ray Donovan”) as John Adams, Assaad Bouab (“Call My Agent!”) as Beaumarchais, Jeanne Balibar (“Irma Vep”) as Madame Helvetius and Theodore Pellerin (“There’s Someone Inside Your House”) as Marquis de Lafayette.

In addition to Douglas, the creative team includes Emmy and WGA Award-winning writer and executive producer Kirk Ellis, and Emmy, WGA and Pulitzer Prize Award-nominated writer and executive producer Howard Korder. Emmy and DGA Award-winning director Tim Van Patten serves as director and executive producer. Richard Plepler executive produces through EDEN Productions, Tony Krantz through Flame Ventures, and Philippe Maigret and Mark Mostyn also executive produce. Stacy Schiff also serves as co-executive producer. “Franklin” is a coproduction between ITV Studios America and Apple Studios.

Check back for more news on this exciting new series!

Follow Daniel Mays on Twitter @DanielMays9 and Instagram @danielmays9 and Threads @danielmays9

©DanielMays.co.uk

Press & Appearances

It’s a busy December for Daniel Mays! While continuing to star as Nathan Detroit in Guys & Dolls at the Bridge Theatre, he is also promoting two wonderful films: Your Christmas or Mine 2 and Chicken Run: The Dawn of the Nugget.

Make sure to catch up with Danny’s interviews:

Television
Lorraine – Tuesday 5th December
The One Show– Wednesday 6th December

Radio
Virgin Radio – Chris Evans Show– Wednesday 6 December Catch up Danny’s interview is at the 2 hour 55 minute mark.

Your Christmas or Mine 2 premieres this week Friday 8th December on Prime Video worldwide.

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget premieres Friday 15th December on Netflix worldwide.

Follow Daniel Mays on Twitter @DanielMays9 and Instagram @danielmays9 and Threads @danielmays9

©DanielMays.co.uk

Chicken Run 2: Dawn of the Nugget Full Trailer

Netflix has released the full trailer for Chicken Run 2: Dawn of the Nugget. Daniel Mays features as the voice of Fetcher.

From the multi Academy and BAFTA award-winning Aardman (Creature Comforts, Wallace & Gromit, and Shaun the Sheep), and Academy Award and BAFTA-nominated director Sam Fell (ParaNorman and Flushed Away, respectively), comes Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, the eagerly anticipated sequel to the beloved and highest-grossing stop-motion animated film of all time, Chicken Run. Having pulled off a death-defying escape from Tweedy’s farm, Ginger has finally found her dream — a peaceful island sanctuary for the whole flock, far from the dangers of the human world. When she and Rocky hatch a little girl called Molly, Ginger’s happy ending seems complete. But back on the mainland the whole of chicken-kind faces a new and terrible threat. For Ginger and her team, even if it means putting their own hard-won freedom at risk — this time, they’re breaking in!

Trailer courtesy of Netflix

The cast includes: Thandiwe Newton, Zachary Levi, and Bella Ramsey lead the Chicken Run charge, alongside a cast including old and new friends: Jane Horrocks, Imelda Staunton, Lynn Ferguson, Josie Sedgwick-Davis, David Bradley, Daniel Mays, and Romesh Ranganathan. Rounding out the flock of villains are Miranda Richardson, Peter Serafinowicz, and Nick Mohammed.

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget hatches worldwide on Netflix 15 December!

Follow Daniel Mays on Twitter @DanielMays9 and Instagram @danielmays9

©DanielMays.co.uk

Your Christmas or Mine 2 – Trailer

It’s (almost!!) Christmas!! Prime Video has released the trailer for Your Christmas or Mine 2. We are so looking forward to the sequel from last year’s feel-good, lovable holiday film. Your Christmas or Mine 2 will be available on Prime Video worldwide on 8 December.

Get in the festive spirit with Your Christmas or Mine 2 which follows young couple James (Asa Butterfield) and Hayley (Cora Kirk) as they gear up for their second Christmas as a couple which can only mean one thing – more mayhem with the Taylor and Hughes families.

James’ dad has invited the Taylors to a luxury ski resort in the Austrian Alps for Christmas so they can all meet his new girlfriend, played by Jane Krakowski. But when a mix-up with transportation at the airport happens, the two families end up at each other’s accommodations by mistake – on opposite sides of a valley and with very different TripAdvisor ratings.

Can Hayley and James’ relationship survive another turbulent family Christmas, or has their future together gone off-piste?

Your Christmas or Mine 2 also features the original stellar line-up of British talent, including Alex Jennings (The Crown), Daniel Mays (Fisherman’s Friends), David Bradley (the Harry Potter series), Angela Griffin (White Lines), Natalie Gumede (Titans), Rhea Norwood (Heartstopper) and, new to the Your Christmas Or Mine? team, Jane Krakowski (30 Rock).

If you haven’t seen the original, you can watch Your Christmas or Mine on Prime Video.

Courtesy of Prime Video UK YouTube Channel

Your Christmas or Mine 2 will be available on Prime Video and worldwide on 8 December.

Happy Christmas!!

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©DanielMays.co.uk

Big Issue Christmas Campaign 2023

We hope that you will join Daniel Mays, Big Issue brand ambassador, in supporting this year’s Christmas campaign.

Follow Daniel Mays on Twitter @DanielMays9 – Instagram @danielmays9 – Threads @danielmays9

©DanielMays.co.uk