Conflict of INTEREST

ROMESH RANGANATHAN on playing a father who avoids making decisions

- TESS LAMACRAFT

AVOIDANCE

NEW FRIDAY, 9.30PM, BBC1 COMEDY (BOX SET, BBC IPLAYER)

The tribulations of a devoted dad who'll do anything to swerve confrontation are at the heart of new BBC1 sitcom Avoidance, created by and starring Romesh Ranganathan.

The six-parter sees Romesh play Jonathan, whose world is turned upside down when his long-term partner, Claire (Jessica Knappett), grows tired of his dithering and asks him to move out of the family home. Can Jonathan change his procrastinating ways for the sake of their nine-year-old son, Spencer (played by newcomer Kieran Logendra)?

TV Times caught up with Romesh, 44, to find out what we can expect...

What's your take on Jonathan?

He's a conflict-avoidant beta male. He's been with Claire for a long time, but she finds him incredibly frustrating to live with as he never shows any signs of having any real backbone or stepping up to situations.