Joy

The whimsical firecracker. Quick-thinking, impulsive, and creatively chaotic, with a big heart and a head full of ideas that probably shouldn’t be allowed near a business licence.

Backstory

Early 20s, Bolton accent intact, Joy believes the world runs on ideas – preferably hers. She once hosted an ‘agricultural rave’ in the bar, starring a local goat that headbutted the coffee machine and got drunk on mojitos. Joy talks to inanimate objects and declares ‘Be reet’ when things (inevitably) collapse around her. She loves bright clothes, big schemes, and bigger dreams. She hates paperwork and thinks Rules & Regulations is a comedy duo. For her, the bar isn’t work, it’s a playground, a passion project, and the perfect excuse to keep life permanently interesting.

Played by Lauren Patel

We’re delighted to welcome Lauren Patel to star as Joy – the female lead in our upcoming comedy series, Ketchup. Lauren is a rising talent whose sharp comic timing and natural screen presence have quickly made her one to watch. She recently co-starred in the BBCcomedy Small Prophets, earning praise for her standout performance. With her warmth, wit and versatility, Lauren brings a fresh energy to Ketchup that audiences are sure to love.

Joe

The reluctant realist. Deadpan by default. Funny by accident. A control freak with a soft heart, who ended up running a bar when he’d struggle to run a bath without the help of a spreadsheet.

Backstory

Late 20s, Bolton-born and bred, Joe grew up with a talent for overthinking and a face that says “mild panic” even when he’s having fun. When not drumming in his local band, he worked on a fish market, perfecting his side-eye and sarcasm while smelling faintly of haddock. Now running The Smugglers, Joe endures flamboyant staff, eccentric locals, and Joy’s never-ending ‘visions.’ He secretly confides in an AI therapist, and tries to keep their new bar afloat with lists, timetables, and fire regulations. Unfortunately, chaos seems to find him faster than customers.

Played by Ty Tennant

And we’re lucky to have the brilliant English actor Ty Tenant to play Joe. Ty played Tom Gresham in the science fiction series War of the Worlds and young Aegon II Targaryen in the HBO fantasy series House of the Dragon.

Roy

The clipboard-wielding gatekeeper. Pompous, precise, and socially inept, with a love of rules, forms, and the subtle thrill of ruining everyone else’s day.

Backstory

Late 60s and proudly officious, Ray was one of the original British expats in Tenerife, taking early retirement from his role as Chief Compliance Officer for a famous cornflakes manufacturer. Bored with life, and paired with a timid wife who drifts in and out like a ghost, he’s gradually slipped back into his natural habitat… the boardroom, just with better weather and delinquent neighbours. Now the community president, he clings to authority with a clipboard and a stack of baffling forms, appearing precisely when rules are broken. He has no stake in the bar, but plenty of influence, thanks to his local “connections.” For Ray, life isn’t about enjoyment, it’s about compliance… ideally enforced at the worst possible moment.

Played by Kevin McNally

Ketchup the Sitcom is being directed by and starring the actor Kevin McNally, best known for his roles in Shackleton, Life on Mars and The Crown, as well as playing pirate Joshamee Gibbs in the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise.

Nancy

The saucy expat mischief-maker. Grand dame of innuendo. Deliberately mysterious past, possibly delusional, possibly celebrity, definitely fabulous.

Backstory

Nancy did Page 3 in the 70s under the name Sapphire Bliss. She claims to have dated two soap stars, turned down an OBE because “they spelled my name wrong,” and once punched a BBC weather presenter in Bolton town centre.

She moved from California to Tenerife alone “before incontinence kicked in” and says she’s now “intent on living out her final years disgracefully.” Nobody’s sure how she affords her lifestyle. She tells stories involving poker wins, Russian dancers, and a brief stint as Piers Brosnan’s dialect coach – “but he wouldn’t listen.”

Played by Sandra Dickinson

With her signature platinum blonde hair, sparkling American accent, and unmistakably bubbly presence, Sandra Dickinson has carved out one of the most distinctive acting careers in British entertainment. Born in Washington, D.C. in 1948, Sandra didn’t just cross the Atlantic — she crossed genres, generations, and galaxies.

It all began with burgers — yes, really. Sandra became a familiar face (and voice) in the UK in the 1970s thanks to a long-running Birds Eye Beefburgers TV commercial, where her sweet, sing-song tone made her instantly recognisable.

But it was her role as Trillian in the BBC’s 1981 adaptation of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy that launched her into cult status. Amid the cosmic chaos of Douglas Adams’ universe, Sandra’s American charm brought a quirky elegance to the only female hitchhiker aboard the Heart of Gold.

Frank

Daily bar stool occupier. Reluctant expat. Resident misanthrope and eternal eye-roller. A thorn in everyone’s side but impossible to get rid of.

Backstory

Frank drove HGVs across Europe for 35 years and formed strong opinions about every country, none of them flattering. After his wife of 28 years ran off with her Zumba instructor (a woman called Mandy who now calls herself Moonflower) he sold the house in Royton and moved to Spain “for a fresh start.” Instead, he just got sunburnt and more bitter. He now spends all his time in Joe and Joy’s bar, trading bodged handyman jobs for beer. He lives alone, occasionally sleeps on his boat, Gloria (which leaks), and talks to her more than people. He hates foreigners, mayo, modernity, and feelings – especially his own. 

Played by Tim Faraday

Tim Faraday is a British actor known for his powerful screen presence and versatility across film, television, and theatre. A graduate of the renowned Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art, Tim has built a career portraying compelling, grounded characters — often bringing an intense realism drawn from his unique background as a former paramedic.

With over two decades of professional experience, Tim’s work spans major productions including Snatch, Gangs of New York, The Ghost Writer, and Legend. On television, he has appeared in acclaimed series such as Da Vinci’s Demons, Outlander, Britannia, and most recently as Lord Amos Bracken in HBO’s House of the Dragon (Season 2).

In addition to screen work, Tim has a rich theatre background, performing in productions such as The Odd Couple, Confusions, and Damsels in Distress. His understated strength and emotional depth make him a standout in both contemporary and period roles.

While Tim Faraday is often seen in dramatic, fantasy, and genre roles, he also brings a spark of comedic timing and versatility to his work. On screen, he’s popped up in British comedies like Peep Show and The Inbetweeners (as Steve), each offering moments to flex his comic instincts. On stage, he’s trodden the boards in classic comedies such as The Odd Couple, Damsels in Distress, Confusions, and Soap. And his role in The Healing Game (2011) remains his most direct comedic lead to date — a showcase of both humor and ensemble rhythm. This varied track record demonstrates that even within heavier roles, he understands space, timing, and character texture — all hallmarks of a trained actor comfortable in multiple genres.

Tony

The delusional showman. Walks like he’s on a red carpet, talks like he’s on Love Island, and treats karaoke like Wembley Stadium.

Backstory

Late 20s, from south Manchester, Tony only came to Tenerife because Joe drunkenly invited him to ‘do a gig.’ He heard ‘international tour and booked the same flight. Now self-appointed compere of the bar, he keeps his headshots behind the counter, sends himself fan mail, and interrupts ‘Sweet Caroline with emotional orations about fame and sunscreen. He insists he ‘nearly’ got parts in Love Island, Les Misérables, and a Greggs sausage roll advert. Underneath the sparkle, Tony’s biggest fear is being forgettable, though he’d never admit it without a mic in his hand.

Played by Amonik Melaco

Amonik has had multiple major theatre roles including Prince Peter in Sleeping Beauty, Fred in Oklahoma!, Rory in The Bodyguard, and has had TV appearances in Vera and MAMMA MIA! I HAVE A DREAM, amonst others.