Rambling on BBC One: Mark Bonnar and Ashley Jensen as 'mismatched pair' in new 'relatable' Scottish sitcom
An enchanting, warm and witty comedy about a pair of unlikely travelling companions...
BBC One has announced the brand new sitcom Rambling, starring TV favourites Mark Bonnar and Ashley Jensen.
The Beeb describes it as “an enchanting, warm and witty new one-off sitcom for BBC iPlayer, BBC Scotland and BBC One”. It follows a pair of unlikely travelling companions hiking through the “breathtaking” Scottish landscape.
Viewers are in very good hands with Mark Bonnar and Ashley Jensen. While Mark almost stole the show in Ludwig series 2 as permanently disgruntled Gareth Fisher, Ashley defied the odds by pleasing Shetland fans after replacing Douglas Henshall’s DI Jimmy Perez.
And they’ve worked together before… Here’s everything you need to know about Rambling on BBC One, including plot, number of episodes, start date, and cast.
What is Rambling about?
Rambling follows a pair of unlikely travelling companions set against the breathtaking – and occasionally sodden – landscape of rural Scotland.
Gerry and Cat are a mismatched pair who you would never put together. The BBC told us: “He’s order. She’s chaos. Gerry plans every step. Cat gets lost on the way to the car park. Gerry’s on a mission to fulfill a promise to his recently deceased brother. Cat’s flying solo having been thrown out of a walking group that was supposed to be a fresh start for her…”
However, despite their differences, they discover they’re travelling on common ground the more they walk and talk…
BBC One call the sitcom “a feel-good Scottish sitcom all about putting your best foot forward”.
Who’s in the cast?
Mark Bonnar, star of Ludwig, Guilt, and Line of Duty, portrays Gerry. Of course, Celebrity Traitors fans will remember his unforgettable turn in the 2025 series.
He said: “I’m so thrilled to be doing this beautifully written, very funny script by Iain and Sharon. I’ve never played someone quite like Gerry before and I can’t wait to get cracking! On top of that, I’m reunited with the wonderful Ashley Jensen! Doesn’t get any better.”
Shetland’s Ashley Jensen, also famous for her leading role in Agatha Raisin, will play Cat.
She added: “Sharon and Iain’s script is about nothing and everything. It’s smart, honest, poignant, moving and funny. It’s about loss, loneliness, and our need for connection. I started my career with the BBC Comedy unit a long time ago. So I am delighted to return and be part of Rambling. And to be reunited with the talented Mark Bonnar.”
Of course, Catastrophe fans will know Mark and Ashley played dysfunctional married couple Fran and Chris in the Sharon Horgan comedy.
Iain Connell, known for Burnistoun, and The Scotts, co-wrote the comedy with The Scotts’ Sharon Young.
How many episodes is it?
Rambling will be just one episode of 30 minutes.
But if it’s as good as it looks, we might have reason to hope for more.
When’s the start date?
BBC One has not yet confirmed the start date of Rambling, but we’re expecting it to land later this year if we’re lucky.
Failing that, we might have to wait until 2027.
‘It’s packed with brilliant banter’
Commissioning Editor for BBC Scotland Gavin Smith told us: “We’re delighted to be bringing Iain and Sharon’s hilarious outdoorsy sitcom to the screens in this one off special. It’s packed with brilliant banter. And who better to be rambling on while rambling along than the wonderful Ashley Jensen and Mark Bonnar.”
Navi Lamba, Commissioning Editor of BBC Comedy, added: “Some of the best comedies come from forcing unlikely people together. And Rambling does exactly that. Iain and Sharon have created a deeply relatable sitcom and I can’t wait for people to fall for Cat and Gerry.”
Read more: Mark Bonnar’ fascinating’ childhood to his TV star wife
