22 February 2024 , 14:50
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A beautiful Essex village, often referred to as one of the most picturesque in England, was also the backdrop for a TV series featuring two of the nation's best-loved comedy stars.
Finchingfield a small, picture-perfect village 20-miles north of Chelmsford was the setting for Sky 1 comedy series Chickens, which starred Joe Thomas and Simon Bird, both known for their roles in The Inbetweeners. It's easy to see why this stunning village, home to famous faces like Jamie Oliver and Dodie Smith, the writer of 101 Dalmatians, was picked for the show.
Not only is Finchingfield often dubbed the most beautiful village in England, but it's also one of the most photographed. The school, churchyard, and village square all made appearances in Chickens, which was up for Best Comedy Programme at the 2014 Broadcast Awards. Despite its success, it didn't get a second series, with fans of the show saying it was a "crime" that more seasons weren't made.
The show was applauded for its "funny and clever" script and acting. The comedy tracked the lives of three young men who dodged going to fight during the First World War, and ironically end up battling each other instead. These men were the only ones left in the village after everyone else went to fight on the frontline of the war. Because of this, they became social outcasts in their village and were labelled 'chickens' for not going, reports EssexLive.
Simon Bird portrayed Cecil, a young lad who couldn't join the war because of his flat feet. Joe Thomas was George, a young man who didn't believe in war and refused to take part in any violence. Bird is known for playing Will in the Channel 4 comedy The Inbetweeners, while Thomas played Simon.
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They teamed up with funnyman Jonny Sweet, who went to Pembroke College at Cambridge University with Joe Thomas. Sweet was the third village misfit in the sitcom, starring as Bert.