TV comedy based on real-life drama

A NEW television comedy-drama is to be filmed in Warrington – based on a real-life drama that has already been played out in the town.
“Candy Cabs” is a three-part series to be screened on BBC One revolving around the lives and loves of a group of women who launch an all-female cab company.
The former Lymm Post Office, in Bridgewater Street, Lymm, has already been painted a garish shade of pink and will take on the role of the taxi firm’s head office.
Filming will also take place in Bolton, Stockport, Hale, Wilmslow and at Warrington – where the real-life Pink Ladies cab company was launched by two local women.
Candy Cabs has a high profile cast, led by East Enders actress Jo Joyner and comedy star Lisa Millett. It will tell the story of an unlikely pair of northern women who embark on a business adventure and start a cab company run by women, for women.
But the road towards becoming entrepreneurs never runs smoothly, and it’s not long before personal obstacles interfere with their professional dreams.
The plot is based on the story of Pink Ladies, the all-female cab company started in Warrington by Tina Dutton and Andrea Winders and originally promoted by Jungle Queen and former Atomic Kitten pop singer Kerry Katona.
They lost a lengthy legal battle with Warrington Borough Council over licensing issues and have only been able to stay operating by registering as a social enterprise and operating as a not-for-profit, members only community transport service.
The cast also includes Paul Nicholls, Denis Lawson, John Henshaw, Jodie Prenger, Paul Kaye, Claire Sweeney, Melanie Hill, Tom Goodman-Hill, Daniel Ryan and Ricky Whittle.
Candy Cabs is written by Johanne McAndrew and Elliot Hope, whose television credits include Dalziel And Pascoe, Daylight Robbery, Holby City and Footballers Wives.
They say: “Our girls are mad, bad and addicted to lip gloss. Candy Cabs is about friendships, fun and finding yourself.”
Andrea Winders said: “The TV people first came to see us with a view to doing a documentary. But when they heard our story they decided it would make a better comedy drama.
“It should be hilarious – but probably not as funny as some of the things that have really happened to us.”
Pictured: open and ready for filming – the former Lymm Post Office and (left) Tina and Andrea with Kerry Katona at the launch of Pink Ladies