Blackpool’s funniest woman is back for a second series on Sky Max

Blackpool beauty queen and all round funny girl Sophie Straw (Gemma Arteton) is back for a second series of Funny Woman, which returns to Sky Max and streaming service NOW on 6th September.

The second series finds Sophie on a high. She is the nation’s favourite TV comedy star; she’s got a group of good friends and her romance with Dennis is full of promise. But trouble is just round the corner: Dennis’s divorce will take three years; Sophie’s new sitcom flops and she uncovers a devastating family secret.

Sophie escapes the turmoil by taking a leading role in a film opposite a glamorous French movie heartthrob. The film is a hit and Sophie’s slick new US agent offers her a fresh start in Hollywood, but Sophie returns to London, determined to get the gang back together and to create a new show which reflects her real life and challenges outdated cultural conventions.

Looking ahead to season 2, Arteton said: “Sophie goes on quite a big journey. Everyone knows she’s funny and she has a sitcom that’s very close to her and her personality. In the new series, she broadens her abilities. She goes to do a French film and tries to be a serious actress before realising that her passion is in comedy. She starts to break new ground by writing a show called ‘Flatbirds’ about two women. She does have some low moments too – she has issues with Dennis and has a falling out with Marge – but with time she manages to pull thingsback together and bucks societal expectation.”