Amanda Abbington, Alan Carr and Jake Wood rave about Ordinary Lies
Jason Manford cuts his drama teeth alongside Jo Joyner and Michelle Keegan, and viewers are sold on this "cracking" show

Brand new drama Ordinary Lies launched last night to high praise, with plenty chucked Jason Manford’s way for his surprising dramatic turn.
The stand-up comic threw viewers in at the deep end of the show’s premise – how much harm can one little lie do? – by faking his wife’s death when it looked like he might lose his job as JS Motors car showroom.
There was surprise that the comedian, usually found on a panel show, could do panicked and troubled. The show boasts big-name talent including former The Office star Mackenzie Crook and Mad Dogs’ Max Beesley. But it’s a casting that’s hit the right notes.
@JasonManford ordinary lies – knew it be good in the first 30 secs – love it. Well done 🙂
— Helen Kendall (@hjkendall2003) March 18, 2015
@JasonManford Who knew? You're an actor! xxxx #OrdinaryLies
— TheMrs (@MrsCocoC) March 18, 2015
@JasonManford You were ace on Ordinary Lies tonight. I can’t wait for the next ep!
— . (@_sweetenerx) March 18, 2015
Just watched #OrdinaryLies Love it already. Also found out @JasonManford isn’t just funny but a fab actor. Can’t wait for next weeks!
— Natalie Beach (@natalietwit88) March 18, 2015
Stars of the screen were impressed too. Jo Joyner’s former EastEnders co-star Jake Wood showed his support:
Just caught up with #OrdinaryLies @BBCOne You clever lot x @dollyjoyner @JasonManford @michkeegan Classy bit of TV drama ?
— Jake Wood (@mrjakedwood) March 17, 2015
As did chat show host Alan Carr:
Loved #OrdinaryLies tonight – well done @sally_lindsay @JasonManford and cast – brilliant.
— Alan Carr (@AlanCarr) March 17, 2015
Gaby Roslin joined in the praise:
Loved wonderful @dollyjoyner & @sally_lindsay & @JasonManford & @rebeccacallard & such great writing @dannybrocklehur @BBCOne #OrdinaryLies
— Gaby Roslin (@GabyRoslin) March 17, 2015
Sherlock and Mr Selfridge star Amanda Abbington joined the fans:
@rebeccacallard @dollyjoyner @sally_lindsay @JasonManford @michkeegan excellent work tonight, bloody loved it. Superb acting all round. xxx
— Amanda Abbington (@CHIMPSINSOCKS) March 17, 2015
As did Lisa Riley, who’s pretty sure Manford stole the show:
WHAT A GREAT SHOW! @JasonManford nailed it babes but mainly you stole the show in your hometown! You should be seriously proud of yourself????
— Lisa Jane riley (@Reallisariley) March 17, 2015
The drama also heralds Michelle Keegan’s return to screens after her dramatic exit from Coronation Street. The spotlight turns on her character, fun-loving receptionist Tracy, next week as she gets into all manner of trouble in the Caribbean. Viewers are certainly happy to see her back on their telly boxes.
loved the first ep of ordinary lies! can't wait for the next! ???????? @michkeegan #OrdinaryLies
— sammy (@sammy57280488) March 18, 2015
Good to see @michkeegan back on our screens last night #OrdinaryLies xx
— Paul Johnson (@paulozzy82) March 18, 2015
@michkeegan #OrdinaryLies was brilliant, great to see you back on the screen,, looking stunning as usual ❤️
— tom (@tomdownes11) March 18, 2015
One to add to your iPlayer list if you missed it.