Jack Rooke, Journalism BA Honours course alumnus, has won the award for Comedy Writer for his TV show Big Boys at the BAFTA Television Craft Awards 2024.
The show is based on Rooke’s own university experience and explores the central theme of gay-straight male friendships, a subject that is relatively underrepresented in television, as well as men’s mental health. The Guardian describes Big Boys as “emotional ping-pong” and brilliantly funny but also deeply sad.
The series starts with the real Jack Rooke recalling the events of 2013 after his father passed away. In the first episode Jack, played by Dylan Llewellyn, meets Danny, played by Jon Pointing, a young man very different to Jack who will become his best friend. They form a small group of friends, including Corrine, played by Izuka Hoyle, Yemi, Jack’s first gay friend played by Olisa Odele, and Jules, played by Katy Wix.
Behind his always cheerful attitude and bubbly personality, Danny struggles with anxiety and is taking antidepressants. As the two friends slowly open up to each other, the series delves into the topics of grief, depression, identity and sexuality.
The second season was released at the end of 2023 and continues following his journey through university as he starts second year.
Haydn Worley, Senior Alumni Officer at the University of Westminster, said: “On behalf of the Alumni Relations Office, huge congratulations to Jack on his latest achievement with the BAFTA win! It’s been such a pleasure to see Jack’s career blossom, everyone at Westminster is incredibly proud. In recent years, Jack has kindly spoken at What it Takes events to support students and alumni, and he has also attended and spoken at Journalism BA Honours reunion events. Some of Big Boys' series one was filmed at Harrow Campus too – all testament to Jack’s enduring Westminster connection. We can’t wait to see what Jack gets up to next!”
The show directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 10: Reduced Inequalities and 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, as it spotlights key narratives and themes that are relatively underrepresented on television, helping those who may be struggling through similar situations. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about Media and Communications courses at the University of Westminster.
