Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

BBC star Michael Theo opens up about workplace bullying before ‘Austin’ debut

From factory struggles to the spotlight, the Love on the Spectrum star shares his journey to BBC One’s new comedy.

Michael Theo

The Love on the Spectrum star makes his acting debut in BBC One’s new comedy

Getty Images

Michael Theo, star of BBC One’s new comedy Austin, has opened up about the difficult experiences he faced before breaking into acting. The Australian actor, who first gained recognition on Love on the Spectrum, described one of his previous jobs as the most stressful period of his life due to relentless bullying.

Theo recalled working at a kitchen manufacturing company, where he spent long hours sanding doors and handling hazardous chemicals. Instead of support from his colleagues, he was met with cruel insults. “I was called names every day. One person even told me I was a waste of oxygen,” he revealed. The experience took a toll on his mental well-being, but he never gave up on his dream.


Now, Theo is making his acting debut alongside Ben Miller and Sally Phillips in Austin, a comedy about a children’s author, Julian, who discovers he has an adult autistic son, Austin, while on a book tour in Australia. Phillips plays Julian’s wife, Ingrid, an illustrator who must navigate this unexpected family revelation.



Michael TheoFrom workplace bullying to the big screen, the actor opens up about his struggles and triumphsGetty Images


Miller, who is also the show’s creator, was inspired to write Austin after watching Theo on Love on the Spectrum. “My wife and I were hooked on the show, and I kept thinking Michael would be amazing in a comedy,” Miller said. Phillips, who has a son with Down’s syndrome, was also drawn to the project due to her passion for authentic representation in media.

To prepare for their roles, Miller and Phillips studied real-life creative duos in children’s publishing, including The Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler. The series also incorporates Miller’s personal experience as a children’s author, bringing humour and insight into an industry that often operates behind the scenes.

Theo played an important role in shaping his character, ensuring Austin’s portrayal avoided common stereotypes. “I didn’t want him to be another version of Sheldon Cooper,” he explained, referring to the often-criticised representation of autism in shows like The Big Bang Theory. “People on the spectrum have emotions, and I wanted that to come through.”



Michael TheoMichael Theo opens up about his journey from workplace bullying to the spotlightGetty Images

Despite initial concerns about accommodating Theo’s needs on set, Phillips said he was the one helping others. “There was all this talk about what Michael would require, but in the end, he needed nothing. In fact, he ended up helping us, driving me around and even rescuing Ben when he forgot his ID!”

With its mix of humour, heart, and fresh storytelling, Austin is set to bring a unique and meaningful perspective to audiences when it premieres on BBC One and iPlayer on April 4 at 9:30 pm.

More For You

Rod Stewart

The Pyramid Stage awaits Sir Rod Stewart’s return after more than two decades

Getty Images

Rod Stewart cancels US tour dates ahead of Glastonbury 2025 performance

Sir Rod Stewart has called off a series of concerts in the US as he recovers from a bout of flu, just weeks before his anticipated set at Glastonbury Festival. The 80-year-old singer, who was due to perform six shows across Nevada and California in early June, announced that four have been cancelled and two will be rescheduled.

Sharing the update on Instagram, Rod apologised to fans and expressed his frustration at having to take a break. “I’m devastated and sincerely sorry,” he wrote. “I’ll be back on stage and will see you soon.” The cancelled dates include multiple shows in Las Vegas and Stateline, Nevada, while the California concerts will now take place in September.

Keep ReadingShow less
Deepika Padukone Leads Pan-India Epic ‘AA22xA6’ as Warrior Queen

Deepika Padukone joins Allu Arjun in Atlee pan India epic AA22xA6

Youtube Screengrab/ Sun TV

Deepika Padukone to play a warrior queen in Atlee and Allu Arjun's pan India epic ‘AA22xA6’

Deepika Padukone has officially signed on as the female lead in Atlee’s highly anticipated film with Allu Arjun, tentatively titled AA22xA6. The announcement has come after her controversial exit from Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, making this casting a major talking point in film circles and among fans.

- YouTubeyoutu.be

Keep ReadingShow less
From Bollywood to the World: Vaghela Brothers on Creative Influences

Vaghela brothers

getty images

Vaghela Brothers share top creative inspirations from Bollywood legends to global style icons

Identical twins Croo and Sach have gained recognition in the fashion and digital space for their vibrant content, often shot in scenic locations. Heavily inspired by cinema, the ambitious Indian duo make bold style statements with their eye-catching outfits and have big plans ahead.

Eastern Eye asked the rising social media stars to share the 10 things that creatively inspire them most.

Keep ReadingShow less
Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone is redefining what power looks like in Bollywood

Getty Images

The 8-hour rebellion: Deepika Padukone walked off a blockbuster and lit a fire under Bollywood’s toxic work culture

It didn’t take a walkout on a picket line or a fiery press conference to shake the Indian film industry; it took Deepika Padukone quietly demanding, “Eight hours.” No dramatic monologue or sensational tweets. Just a simple request: humane hours, overtime pay, and a refusal to push her body and mind past the brink. And just like that, the conversation in Bollywood cracked wide open.

In an industry that glorifies overnight shoots, delayed pack-ups, and “dedication” measured in sweat, Padukone’s decision to exit a high-profile film, Spirit, over her demand for an eight-hour workday was certainly a career move for her. But beyond that, it was a cultural revolt.

Keep ReadingShow less
Aamir khan & lokesh kanagaraj

Lokesh Kanagaraj set to direct Aamir Khan in a high-octane superhero film

Getty Images/ M9.news

Aamir Khan confirms superhero action film with Lokesh Kanagaraj set to begin in 2026

Bollywood icon Aamir Khan has officially revealed that he will be teaming up with Tamil filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj for a large-scale superhero action film. The project, which is still in its early stages, is expected to begin production in the second half of 2026.

A rare early reveal from Aamir Khan

Keep ReadingShow less