Portsmouth radio presenter turned novelist dismisses BBC rip off
A local radio presenter has dismissed the suggestion that the BBC has copied his book for an upcoming Christmas Comedy Special.
The book - ‘Shed, Sing, Run’ - was released in the autumn of this year, telling the story of three friends, who’s experiences of joining a choir, taking up running, and forming a group who meet in Shed to repair things, intertwine into a zany, funny, and sometimes touching tale that eventually ponders the bigger questions in life including politics, points of view and existence. It has captured the imagination of readers, who have propelled it into the Amazon book charts, making it a top ten bestseller.
But now, author Craig Bunday, who presents a show on Portsmouth's Phantom Radio, has been approached to comment on the fact that a BBC comedy penned by Mrs Brown’s Boys co-creator Paddy Houlihan and called ‘Shedites’, takes themes from the book. He has been quick to dismiss the suggestion, but admits there will be comparisons.
Craig said: “The theme of men talking about their emotions has been the topic of many a story across a multitude of media. Men’s mental health is a big issue at the moment, and of course there are groups and organisations to help. It’s flattering for people to think that my book has been used in some way by writers of successful stage and sitcom productions, but I’m pretty sure it’s just a coincidence. I had a phone call with a local reporter about this, and dismissed it completely.”
Asked about the timeline, as ‘Shedites’ was first announced in late 2024, Craig added: “I started putting the stories together even before 2016, when the novel is primarily, loosely, set, and other parts of the story are from my own experiences and imagination – a lot was taken from stories and ideas shared on my local radio show. There are elements that fix the narrative in 2016, but I don’t want to give anything away. Also, The Shed only features in the first part of the book.”
Since the book’s release, it has been garnering favourable reviews from readers, such as ‘Funny, deep, twisty, well worth a read’, ‘Once I started, I couldn’t put it down’, and ‘Great wit, insight, and well formed and relatable characters and story.’ and been riding high in the Amazon charts, reaching a top four place in ‘Lad Literature’. Craig didn’t want the ‘Shedites’ and ‘Shed, Sing. Run’ comparisons to tarnish either reputation.
“I know it’s seen as Marmite TV, but I quite like ‘Mrs Brown’s Boys,” he said, “And I’ll be tuned in to ‘Shedites’. So I’m glad I’ve been able to set the record straight, I think it’s just purely a coincidence.”