Will Austin's powers connect him to dad?

New comedy Austin, about an autistic man who tracks down his long-lost famous dad, arrives on BBC1 next week. Rachael Popow finds out more

- Rachael Popow

Ben Miller and Sally Phillips star in the new Australian comedy drama Austin, but neither of them plays the title character.

Instead, the role goes to Michael Theo, which is only fitting as he inspired the entire series.

Ben explains: "Darren Ashton, the director, is an old friend of mine. We worked on a film in Australia called Razzle Dazzle in 2007 and we'd been looking for something to do ever since.

"A few years ago, he was staying with me in the UK, and he showed me [dating show] Love on the Spectrum, which I absolutely loved, and I was completely blown away by Michael Theo in it.

"I thought he was extraordinary and such a fascinating person in the show and on screen.