The role of Andy Peacock was initially played by Dominic Cooper in a 2018 pilot for Sky One, directed by Stamp and Murray and produced by Big Talk Studios.
[3] Allan Mustafa was announced in the lead role on the project in August 2021, with BBC Comedy commissioning episodes through Big Talk Studios.
[5] Stamp had recommended Allan Mustafa for the role of Andy Peacock having previously worked together on People Just Do Nothing, as well as the Ben Murray directed Kurrupt FM videos for YouTube.
[11] Gerard Gilbert in the i felt the comparison with David Brent was appropriate but the main character “lacks Ricky Gervais's towering talent for pathos.
[12] The Daily Telegraph mentioned that the “atmosphere in the gym [is] a recognisable blend of right-on accessibility and clenched testosterone” but felt that the “fine supporting cast feel a little short-changed by thin characterisation”.