Apple’s New Dick Turpin Show Maintains A Clever Real-Life Casting Connection For Noel Fielding

The cast of Apple TV+’s The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin is fronted by Noel Fielding, but other iconic British comedians have already appeared – including one with a real-world connection to the show’s lead actor. The Great British Bake Off‘s Noel Fielding has been involved with various comedy projects throughout his career, and Dick Turpin isn’t the first time he’s collaborated with certain actors tied to the show.

Apple’s new historical comedy already has the makings of one of the best British sitcoms in recent years. The show’s intentional inaccuracy paired with Fielding’s signature irreverent humor would seem to be a recipe for success. However, despite Dick Turpin‘s disregard for authenticity, it is upholding the illusion another way by casting someone in a supporting role who fits in perfectly.

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Dick Turpin’s Benny Actor Michael Fielding Is Noel Fielding’s Real-Life Brother

Benny is Dick Turpin’s cousin within the world of the show

Fielding’s new show doesn’t ignore Dick Turpin’s origin story, but it does alter it to the point of it being unrecognizable from historical records. When Fielding’s Dick Turpin tells his father that his veganism is preventing him from taking over the family’s butchery business, Turpin’s cousin Benny is drafted in to replace him in place of any siblings. While it’s false that the real Dick Turpin didn’t have any brothers or sisters, the actor who plays Benny is the lead actor’s real brother, Michael Fielding.

Having Michael Fielding play Dick’s cousin is a clever move. Not only does it address the alteration of Dick’s family background in a very meta way, but it also maintains a certain level of realism by having Noel Fielding’s real-life relative also playing a member of his on-screen family. Michael Fielding’s acting roles are few and far between, but his brother’s new project is perfect for him for more reasons than one.

Michael & Noel Fielding Have Collaborated Twice Before Apple TV’s Dick Turpin Show

Most of Michael Fielding’s acting credits are from roles alongside his brother

The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin may be Noel and Michael Fielding’s latest team-up, but it certainly isn’t their first. Their most notable shared project is the zany adventure comedy, The Mighty Boosh. This BBC production ran from 2004 to 2007, and the fraternal acting duo appeared in every episode. The Mighty Boosh also went on two live tours, with each brother reprising their roles from the show on the stage.

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Michael Fielding also appeared in every episode of Noel Fielding’s Luxury Comedy, a surreal sketch show/sitcom that ran for two seasons between 2012 and 2014. There was a big shake-up in the show’s format between the two seasons, but Michael Fielding remained a part of the cast for his brother’s show. In short, Michael and Noel Fielding are no strangers to working together, but The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin is the best use of their familial connection.