A new comedy set and filmed in Stockport has received a warm reception from the critics.

'Daddy Issues' premiered on BBC Three at 9pm, on Thursday 15 August, and is now available on iPlayer.

The comedy, written by Danielle Ward, follows father and daughter duo Malcolm and Gemma (played by David Morrissey and Aimee Lou Wood) living in Stockport and navigating their relationship.

Gemma is pregnant, and Malcom is living in a "bedsit for divorced men"; as one summary reads: "she needs support at a critical time in a woman's life, he needs help microwaving rice without it exploding."

Here's what the critics had to say...

BBC critic Scott Bryan said:

"It is a must watch for me. [...] There are two things that make it special. Firstly, the acting. David Morrissey is great, and plays the hopeless divorced dad very well. Aimee Lou Wood is also superb. There's also Sharon Rooney from My Mad Fat Diary. And it also works because of the writing. It contains so much wit. Every line feels fresh, relatable and gives it a real distinctive style."

Abby Robinson writes in The Radio Times:

"While Wood's comedic abilities are already firmly established, and on full display here, Morrissey, best known for grittier roles, reveals himself to be something of a hidden gem. [...] There are plenty of funny moments, several of which are laugh-out-loud, courtesy of some well-observed and original writing from Ward, and excellent performances from the supporting cast."

The Evening Standard gave the sitcom four stars. Emma Loffhagen praised it as a "sharp, sweet and witty comedy" She added:

"Daddy Issues is the latest in a long line of classic, very-British, comedies. [...] The one-liners are brilliantly acerbic, sometimes verging on the Fleabag-esque in their observational sarcasm."

The Independent also gave four stars, with Katie Rosseinsky saying:

"Thanks to its winning central duo, Daddy Issues feels like a warm hug of a show, but with just enough edge to keep you on your toes."

The Guardian says the comedy is "a sweet, funny and touching story of repairing relationships after things hit rock bottom".

In January 2024, crews were seen filming for the comedy, at a variety of locations throughout the borough; this included the Underbanks, Market Place, St Mark's Bredbury, and more.

And this is by no means the first time that Stockport has been used as a filming location.

Indeed, the area has been praised by directors for having a good mix of backdrops - form urban to rural and from modern to historical.

The past few months have seen the filming of a historical drama, a BBC comedy, and of course a music video from Blossoms.

Such is the popularity of the area as a filming location, that it's coming to be called 'Stockywood'.

Councillor Mark Hunter, leader of Stockport Council, said: "It's fantastic that Stockport has become one of the 'go to' locations for so many film and television productions over recent years. We have a rich architectural history and diverse culture on offer, all of which can offer any production company a range of options to match any period in history, genre or geographical location that they wish to portray.

"The influence of the creative arts has a tremendous impact on our local economy in a number of ways, boosting our commercial aspirations and enhancing our appeal as a cultural and tourist destination. It's a tremendous achievement for everyone concerned that Stockport, as a film location, can rival many of the more established locations."

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