Greg Davies has a ball with veteran star Zoë Wanamaker as they film scenes alongside a giant testicle sculpture for the second series of BBC crime scene comedy The Cleaner

By Jason Chester for MailOnline

Published: 11:05 BST, 5 October 2022 | Updated: 12:05 BST, 5 October 2022

What happens when two actors encounter a giant testicle in a sleepy English town? The answer appeared to be evident as work commenced on a new BBC series this week. 

Accompanied by a small camera crew, Greg Davies returned to his popular role as Paul “Wicky” Wickstead for the second series of sitcom The Cleaner in leafy Buckinghamshire. 

The Welsh comedian, 54, was joined by veteran actress Zoë Wanamaker – the latest established star to take a cameo in the hit series about the exploits of a crime scene cleaner – as filming continued on Tuesday. 

Unusual: What happens when two actors encounter a giant testicle in a sleepy English town? The answer appeared to be evident as work commenced on a new BBC series this week

Unusual: What happens when two actors encounter a giant testicle in a sleepy English town? The answer appeared to be evident as work commenced on a new BBC series this week

In a bizarre twist, the pair were seen exchanging their lines in front of an enormous testicle sculpture, precariously set on a small plinth. 

Wanamaker, 73, appeared to be oblivious to the decorative backdrop as she filmed with Davies, who wore central character Wickstead’s cap and cargo trousers while observing an apparent crime scene. 

Based on German show Der Tatortreiniger, The Cleaner has been commissioned for a second series by the BBC following a tentative six episode run last October. 

Having a ball: Greg Davies returned to his popular role as Paul "Wicky" Wickstead while shooting the second series of sitcom The Cleaner in leafy Buckinghamshire on Tuesday

Having a ball: Greg Davies returned to his popular role as Paul "Wicky" Wickstead while shooting the second series of sitcom The Cleaner in leafy Buckinghamshire on Tuesday

Having a ball: Greg Davies returned to his popular role as Paul “Wicky” Wickstead while shooting the second series of sitcom The Cleaner in leafy Buckinghamshire on Tuesday 

Face to face: The Welsh comedian was joined by veteran actress Zoë Wanamaker - the latest established star to take a cameo in the hit series about the exploits of a crime scene cleaner

Face to face: The Welsh comedian was joined by veteran actress Zoë Wanamaker - the latest established star to take a cameo in the hit series about the exploits of a crime scene cleaner

Face to face: The Welsh comedian was joined by veteran actress Zoë Wanamaker – the latest established star to take a cameo in the hit series about the exploits of a crime scene cleaner

The show, written and co-produced by Davies, sees crime scene cleaner Wickstead encounter a series of unusual characters as he goes about his day to day work. 

The first series featured cameo appearances from British stars Helena Bonham Carter, David Mitchell and Stephanie Cole, with series two expected to welcome more established actors to the fold. 

Alongside Wanamaker, Uncle’s Raquel Cassidy and Johnny English Strikes Again star Adam James are also expected to feature in yet to be established roles.  

Sore point: In a bizarre twist, the pair were seen exchanging their lines in front of an enormous veiny testicle sculpture, precariously set on a small plinth

Sore point: In a bizarre twist, the pair were seen exchanging their lines in front of an enormous veiny testicle sculpture, precariously set on a small plinth

Sore point: In a bizarre twist, the pair were seen exchanging their lines in front of an enormous veiny testicle sculpture, precariously set on a small plinth

Here we go: Davies wore central character Wickstead's cap and cargo trousers while observing an apparent crime scene

Here we go: Davies wore central character Wickstead's cap and cargo trousers while observing an apparent crime scene

Here we go: Davies wore central character Wickstead’s cap and cargo trousers while observing an apparent crime scene

The show received generally reviews following its initial release in October, with audience viewing figures reaching 5.24 million, including those who watched it on catch up. 

While some critics praised the writing as ‘intriguing’ and ‘cleverly done’, others dismissed it as ‘quaint’ and slow paced.  

It went on to win the Best New TV Sitcom in British Comedy Guide’s Comedy.co.uk Awards 2021. 

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