Amy Huberman Joins Derry Girls Star in New BBC Comedy

Amy Huberman stars in Mourning Glory as an undertaker in a dark comedy about grief.
Saoirse-Monica Jackson leads Helpless, a thriller inspired by real-life disability experiences.
The films will air on BBC One NI in 2025 before streaming on iPlayer.
The project supports new Northern Irish talent in filmmaking.

Irish actress and wine entrepreneur Amy Huberman has announced her involvement in a fresh collaboration with BBC Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen. The project features three 15-minute short films, with Huberman starring alongside Derry Girls favorite Saoirse-Monica Jackson and other notable talents.

This initiative aims to showcase emerging Northern Irish talent in writing, production, and acting. The films will premiere on BBC One Northern Ireland in 2025 before streaming on BBC iPlayer across the UK.

Huberman’s Role in the Dark Comedy Mourning Glory

Amy Huberman joins Mourning Glory, a dark comedy following widower Dermot (Nigel O’Neill) as he finds solace in attending wakes. Huberman plays Deirdre, a rookie undertaker, alongside Finn Lennox Loughran as her funeral-obsessed son.

Synopsis: “It follows Dermot (Nigel O’Neill), a recent widower who seeks unlikely solace in attending one wake after another. Encouraged by his neighbour Jimmy, played by Lalor Roddy, Dermot’s growing morbid curiosity leads to an awkward encounter with rookie undertaker Deirdre (Amy Huberman) and her funeral-obsessed son.”

The film, written by Shane McNaughton, blends humor with themes of grief and curiosity.

Saoirse-Monica Jackson Stars in Helpless

Derry Girls star Saoirse-Monica Jackson headlines Helpless, a black comedy thriller. She plays Grace, a woman suspected of being abused by her boyfriend (Éanna Hardwicke). George Robinson (Sex Education) co-stars as Cillian, a wheelchair user determined to save her.

Synopsis: “Newly disabled wheelchair-user Cillian (George Robinson) is a hopeless romantic, down-on-his-luck and obsessed with the curious girl next door, Grace (Saoirse-Monica Jackson). He suspects her shady boyfriend Joe (Éanna Hardwicke) is abusing her, but help is in short supply.”

The story draws from writer Michael Patrick’s real-life experiences as a wheelchair user.

A Platform for Emerging Talent

Eddie Doyle, Head of Commissioning at BBC NI, praised the project:

“The calibre of scripted ideas and scripts submitted through the scheme was truly impressive—a real showcase of the creativity and skill we have right here in Northern Ireland.”

Richard Williams of NI Screen added: