As Mr. Bigstuff returned to Sky for its highly anticipated second season, creator and star Ryan Sampson reflected on the deeply personal heart that beats beneath the show’s wild comedy. This is more than just a TV project for the Yorkshire-born writer and actor. It’s a portrait of family, grief, identity, and absurdity, told with warmth and bite.
“I started out with the most ridiculous idea I could think of; putting me and Danny Dyer together as brothers”, Ryan says with a grin. “But as you build out the story, it can’t help but get infused with parts of your own life”.
And so the dynamic between estranged siblings Glen (played by Sampson) and Lee (Dyer) becomes something more textured. A love letter to the messiness of family and the aching gaps left behind by loss. “We lost my mum some years ago, and after that it was like we’d all lost the fixed point between us”, he shares. “Lee and Glen’s arguments often have their dead mum shimmering behind them”.
Returning to the screen with Danny Dyer was always going to be special, but Dyer’s emotional BAFTA win, dedicated to Sampson, cemented their bond for all to see. “I promised myself I’d be very cool, regardless of who won… then immediately clubbed my eyes out on live TV”, he laughs. “He’s amazing to work with. It feels like I’ve got an actual big brother. He’s protective, but definitely the kind who might lead you astray on a night out”.
Though Mr. Bigstuff has his full creative attention, Ryan is also working on an upcoming seventh season of Brassic, where fans will see more of his brilliantly unfiltered character, Tommo. “When you play someone that long, they go from a comic creation to a person you really know. I’ll miss him, weirdly”.
Between Brassic, Plebs, and Mr. Bigstuff, Sampson has carved out a unique space in British comedy, often drawn to the loveable oddballs and chaotic souls. “I grew up in a little village full of oddballs. I didn’t have many friends growing up, and I think I just watched people. Now I’m drawn to playing the weirdos, trying to figure out how they think.”
His upbringing in Yorkshire looms large in his work. “I grew up on Victoria Wood, Caroline Aherne, Alan Bennett. Those northern voices love a high/low contrast. Someone talking about suicidal thoughts and then pivoting to the price of bourbon biscuits. There’s an irony and humour baked into northern identity. I love that”.
Soon, audiences will also see Ryan in an entirely new light as he steps into the world of period drama, playing the famously awkward Mr Collins in The Other Bennet Sister for the BBC and BritBox. “It’s been loads of fun, and I’ve been surprised at how much they want me to lean into the comedy aspect. It’s a role that has some pretty iconic previous occupants, so it can be a touch nerve-racking, but you sort of have to shake that off and approach it with your own ideas”.
As the writer behind Mr. Bigstuff, Sampson admits the acting process is a bit of a whirlwind. “There’s no time for prep when you’re also writing the thing. So Glen is probably the most under-prepared role I’ve done! But in another way, I’ve spent so long inside his head, figuring out how he speaks and what he wouldn’t say, that it’s a different kind of prep”.
Asked what keeps him grounded amidst all the chaos, he credits his partner. “He’s amazing. He reminds me when I need a bike ride or a bit of gardening. Honestly, I’m terrible at switching off. It’s something I’m trying to work on!”
Whether it’s spinning up stories on set, improvising as Tommo, or reimagining a classic Austen character, Ryan Sampson remains one of British television’s most compelling voices. Authentic, hilarious, and full of heart. And with Mr. Bigstuff back for a second round, he’s only just getting started.
Mr Bigstuff seasons 1-2 are available to watch on Sky and NOW
