‘Just sprinkle your swearing s*** all over it': How The Thick of It redefined expletives on TV

Armando Iannucci wanted to make something 'rough and ready' about what politics was really like in the 2000s. With a team of talented writers, he created a classic comedy that still resonates today. Katie Rosseinsky dissects the anatomy of its foul-mouthed invective
It takes about one minute for a verbal grenade to be lobbed in The Thick of It's first episode. Spin doctor Malcolm Tucker, played by Peter Capaldi, is on the phone, mouthing off about an MP, who, in Tucker's estimation at least, is not just totally rubbish at his job, he's 'as useless as a marzipan dildo'. As insults go, it's lewd but also ludicrous, utterly damning yet surreally silly. And, as the show's creator Armando Iannucci says, it 'sets the tone for everything' to come.
Over the course of four series and one Oscar-nominated spin-off film, The Thick of It raised the bar with some of the most creative invective ever heard on television. The political sitcom, which debuted in an appropriately post-watershed late slot on BBC Four on 19 May 2005, ushered viewers behind the scenes in the fictional – but all too realistic – Department for Social Affairs (it would add Citizenship to its cumbersome remit in later seasons).

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Scottish Sun

38 minutes ago

• Scottish Sun

EastEnders reveals another shock return as Albert Square legend's son makes Walford comeback

The character was last seen on screen eight years ago Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EASTENDERS have revealed another shock return as an Albert Square legend's son makes a Walford comeback. Gorgeous Zoe Slater, best known for her explosive 'You ain't my mother!' showdown with Kat Slater, hit the square last week and now someone else is following in her footsteps. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 EastEnders have revealed another shock return as an Albert Square legend's son makes a Walford comeback Credit: PA 6 Pierre Moullier is playing Oscar Branning, the son of Max Branning and is to return to EastEnders for the first time in eight years Credit: PA 6 Oscar was last seen on screen in 2017 when he visited his father Max Credit: BBC Zoe was back as Kat married Alfie for the third time and prepares to take over the Queen Victoria pub. But now there's another shock return for the drama filled square. Oscar Branning is on his way home to Albert Square this summer, and where Oscar goes, trouble is not far behind. Oscar was last seen on screen in 2017 (played by twins Neo & Charlee Hall) when he made a brief visit to Max on Father's Day. However, just why he is returning and where he's been is set to be revealed when Lauren receives a mysterious call. Newcomer Pierre Moullier will play Oscar, who is now 17, as he arrives and turns Lauren's life upside down. EastEnders Executive Producer Ben Wadey said: 'I'm very excited to bring Oscar Branning back to Walford and introduce viewers to him now that he's all grown up. "Oscar is very much a Branning which means there's going to be plenty of drama in store this summer. "We're delighted to welcome Pierre as he takes on the role and can't wait for viewers to see him bring Oscar to life.' Pierre Moullier added: 'It's pretty surreal to join EastEnders - it keeps hitting me that I'm actually on Albert Square! Blackmail horror for EastEnders teenager as sexual predator Joel targets another victim "When I found out I was joining the Brannings, it was so exciting as they are such an iconic family, and I love that there are so many skeletons in the closet. "Oscar is so much fun to play, and the audience should be prepared for the unexpected as he's a complex guy!' Pierre has already started filming, and Oscar will return to our screens next month. Rumours are also rising that soap legend Jake Wood is making a shock return. EastEnders stars who QUIT MICHELLE Collins has seen her second EastEnders stint boost her bank balance. Yet what stars have quit this year? The Sun exclusively reported how Michelle, 62, was down to £20,000 in her company accounts when she agreed to a shock back-from-the-dead return to Albert Square last year. Her character, Cindy Beale, was presumed dead off-camera in 1998. Yet what about the 2024 exits? Earlier this summer, loyal soap fans appeared to note how Stevie Mitchell had "quit" the long-running series. It came after Alan Ford enjoyed just six-months on-screen. Bobby Beale actor Clay Milner Russell also left this year after five years in Walford. Fans also feared Martin Fowler actor James Bye would "quit out of boredom" over recent storylines. Additionally, a host of stars have quit the BBC soap for Hollywood fame. One of the most successful stars to come from the BBC One soap is Rob Kazinsky. He played Stacey Slater's brother Sean Slater from 2006 to 2009, he has starred in Hollywood blockbusters Pacific Rim and Captain Marvel. Ben Hardy, who quit EastEnders as Bobby Beale almost a decade ago, went on to break Hollywood the following year, when he starred as Archangel in X-Men: Apocalypse. Since then, he has played Roger Taylor in Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, and he starred in Michael Bay's Netflix movie 6 Underground. Michelle Ryan played Zoe Slater until 2005. She starred as the lead in short-lived American series Bionic Woman from 2007 to 2008. The actor, 52, will reprise his role as love rat Max Branning later this year in dramatic scenes. Jake quit the BBC One soap in 2021 after 15 years to focus on other acting projects. A telly source said: 'Jake's return is huge news for EastEnders fans as his character made a massive mark on the show. 'It'll raise some eyebrows after he was absent from the 40th anniversary earlier this year. Bosses are excited about what his character's reappearance means for spicing up the plots. 'There is plenty to go at. Max has loads of unfinished business in the Square and is set to ruffle some feathers.' Speaking earlier this year Jake admitted he missed being part of the soap — except for the busy filming regime. He said: 'I don't miss the schedules. Anyone will tell you how hard they are and sort of all-consuming, but obviously I miss a lot of the people. 'When you're at the centre of a big storyline like EastEnders Christmas, something like that — it's a real thrill as an actor to be a part of that, big storylines, big characters." 6 Michelle Ryan returned as Zoe to the soap much to fans delight Credit: ITV 6 Speculation is rising that Max Branning will also be returning to the square Credit: BBC

Daily Mirror

42 minutes ago

• Daily Mirror

EastEnders brings back another blast from the past who promises to bring 'drama'

Oscar Branning is set to make a return to Albert Square since his last appearance in 2017 and Max Branning's son is set to turn the life of his sister Lauren upside down EastEnders is known for bringing back characters to Albert Square. And this time is no different as Oscar Branning is set to make a return to Walford after eight years away. Oscar is the son of Tanya and Max Branning but the mum of three fled Walford to get away from her toxic husband, with her young son in tow. ‌ Oscar has not been seen on screen since 2017 when he made a brief appearance on the BBC soap to celebrate Father's Day with his elated dad, in full view of other residents at the Queen Victoria pub. ‌ And while Oscar, who is now 17, has always been a little on the quieter side leaving the family drama in the hands of his parents and elder sisters, Lauren and Abi, it seems sparks are set to fly this time round. Speaking about Oscar's upcoming appearance played by Pierre Moullier, Executive Producer Ben Wadey said: "I'm very excited to bring Oscar Branning back to Walford and introduce viewers to him now that he's all grown up." He added: "Oscar is very much a Branning which means there's going to be plenty of drama in store this summer. We're delighted to welcome Pierre as he takes on the role and can't wait for viewers to see him bring Oscar to life." And when asked how he felt to be joining an iconic soap, actor Pierre explained: "It's pretty surreal to join EastEnders - it keeps hitting me that I'm actually on Albert Square!" He went on to explain: "When I found out I was joining the Brannings, it was so exciting as they are such an iconic family, and I love that there are so many skeletons in the closet." ‌ He added: "Oscar is so much fun to play, and the audience should be prepared for the unexpected as he's a complex guy!" But Oscar's character is not the only one to have made a comeback, so too has Zoe Slater played by Michelle Ryan. Twenty years has passed since Michelle was last seen in Walford. And her most memorable scene was in 2001 when she screamed at Kat Slater in the middle of the square "you ain't my muvva." To which Kat emotionally responded: "Yes I am." ‌ But according to the BBC website, Michelle claimed that returning to the show was "like coming home." Ben Wadey said that before taking on the role of Executive Producer, Michelle's character Zoe was on his wish-list. He admitted to the website: "I was absolutely delighted when Michelle agreed to return, and I'm thrilled to welcome her back to Walford."

Metro

43 minutes ago

• Metro

EastEnders confirms major return after 8 years

EastEnders has officially confirmed the return of Oscar Branning, who is set to stage a comeback to Walford after an eight-year absence. The character, who was born on screen in 2007, is the son of Max (Jake Wood) and Tanya Branning (Jo Joyner). His comeback is set in motion in upcoming scenes when Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) receives a call. The exact reason for why Oscar comes back to the Square remains shrouded in mystery but let's just say that Lauren's world is subsequently turned upside down. Trouble isn't too far away where Oscar is concerned, with tense scenes to confirmed upon his return, which will air on-screen next month. Pierre Moullier, who is taking over the role of Oscar, branded his casting on EastEnders 'pretty surreal'. 'It keeps hitting me that I'm actually on Albert Square!,' he enthused. 'When I found out I was joining the Brannings, it was so exciting as they are such an iconic family, and I love that there are so many skeletons in the closet. 'Oscar is so much fun to play, and the audience should be prepared for the unexpected as he's a complex guy!' Bringing Oscar back was a brainwave of new EastEnders boss Ben Wadey, who recently reintroduced Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) after a two decade absence. Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! 'I'm very excited to bring Oscar Branning back to Walford and introduce viewers to him now that he's all grown up', he said. 'Oscar is very much a Branning which means there's going to be plenty of drama in store this summer. More Trending 'We're delighted to welcome Pierre as he takes on the role and can't wait for viewers to see him bring Oscar to life.' It was reported earlier this year that Max star Jake Wood is returning to Walford after a four-year gap so it appears that the year ahead could be a big one for the Branning clan. View More » EastEnders airs weeknights at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on BBC iPlayer. If you've got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@ – we'd love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. MORE: All EastEnders cast returns, exits and new arrivals coming up in 2025 MORE: Long-running EastEnders couple at an end as statement is issued MORE: Peter makes shocking move as Lauren reels in EastEnders early iPlayer release