This Country is a multi-award-winning British mockumentary sitcom created by and starring siblings Daisy May Cooper and Charlie Cooper that explores the mundane lives of cousins Kerry and Lee “Kurtan” Mucklowe in a rural Cotswold village. The series, which aired for three seasons between 2017 and 2020 on BBC Three and BBC One, is celebrated for its hyper-realistic portrayal of the “rural precariat”—marginalized youth living in isolated communities with limited prospects. Filmed primarily in the town of Northleach, Gloucestershire, the show blends deadpan humor with poignant emotional depth, securing its status as a modern cult classic. As of 2026, the series remains one of the most requested comedies on BBC iPlayer, having garnered multiple BAFTA and RTS awards for its writing and performances.
The Origins of Kerry and Kurtan
The concept for This Country was born out of the real-life experiences of Daisy May and Charlie Cooper, who grew up in Cirencester, Gloucestershire. Before the show’s success, the siblings lived together in their parents’ home, working various low-wage jobs while refining the characters of Kerry and Kurtan.
The show’s “mockumentary” format was a deliberate choice to ground the absurd village antics in reality. By using handheld cameras and talking-head interviews, the Coopers were able to highlight the crushing boredom and petty rivalries that define life in a town where “nothing ever happens.”
Key Filming Locations in Northleach
While the show is set in a fictionalized version of a Cotswold village, it was filmed almost entirely on location in Northleach. This market town provided the perfect backdrop of stone cottages and narrow alleyways that emphasize the characters’ sense of isolation.
The Famous Bus Shelter
The bus shelter located on Northleach High Street is perhaps the most iconic location in the series. It serves as the primary “hangout” spot for Kerry and Kurtan, symbolizing their lack of mobility and the stationary nature of their lives.
Kerry’s House and Fortey Road
Kerry Mucklowe’s home is a real residential property on Fortey Road. The surrounding neighborhood, including the nearby allotments and lock-up garages, was frequently used to film the show’s many exterior wanderings and “vacuum cleaner” related subplots.
The Supporting Cast and Community
A significant portion of the This Country cast was comprised of the Coopers’ actual family and friends, which contributed to the show’s authentic, unpolished feel.
| Character | Actor | Role in Community |
| Rev. Francis Seaton | Paul Chahidi | The patient, kind-hearted village vicar. |
| Martin Mucklowe | Paul Cooper | Kerry’s narcissistic, estranged father. |
| “Big Mandy” Harris | Ashley McGuire | The intimidating local “hard woman.” |
| Michael “Slugs” Slugett | Michael Sleggs | The “annoying” friend with terminal cancer. |
| Len Clifton | Trevor Cooper | The local hoarder and neighborhood grump. |
Awards and Critical Reception
This Country was a critical darling from its first episode, lauded for its sharp writing and the “lightning-in-a-bottle” chemistry between the leads. In 2018, the show swept the BAFTA Television Awards, winning Best Scripted Comedy and Best Female Comedy Performance for Daisy May Cooper.
The Legacy of Michael Sleggs
The character of “Slugs” was played by Michael Sleggs, a lifelong friend of the Coopers who sadly passed away in 2019. The show’s third series included a moving tribute to Sleggs, incorporating his real-life illness into the narrative with a sensitivity that was widely praised by critics and fans alike.
Practical Information and Planning
For fans wishing to visit the locations or revisit the series in 2026, the following details are essential.
How to Watch: All 19 episodes (3 series + a special) are available to stream on BBC iPlayer and UKTV Play.
Visiting Northleach: Northleach is located about 10 miles from Cirencester. Visitors can easily find the bus shelter and the marketplace.
The Sherborne Arms: The real-life pub used for “The Keepers Arms” is located in nearby Northleach; it is a functioning pub where fans can stop for a meal.
What to Expect: A quiet, scenic Cotswold town. Please be respectful of residents when visiting filming locations like Fortey Road.
Tips: Look for the Westwoods Centre, which doubled as the Vicar’s office throughout the series.
Seasonal Context: Spring in the Cotswolds
Visiting the This Country locations in Spring 2026 offers the quintessential rural experience depicted in the show. The local allotments in Northleach are particularly active this time of year, echoing scenes from Series 3 where Kerry attempts to manage her chickens. Spring also brings the “annual village fete” season to the Cotswolds, an event that provided the backdrop for some of the show’s most hilariously awkward community interactions.
FAQs
Are Kerry and Kurtan related in real life?
Yes, the actors Daisy May Cooper and Charlie Cooper are siblings. In the show, their characters Kerry and Kurtan are cousins.
Where was This Country filmed?
The show was primarily filmed in Northleach, Gloucestershire, a small market town in the Cotswolds.
Who plays Kerry’s dad in This Country?
Kerry’s dad, Martin Mucklowe, is played by Paul Cooper, who is the real-life father of Daisy May and Charlie Cooper.
Is This Country still on?
The show officially ended with its third series in 2020. However, the creators have occasionally hinted at a possible one-off special in the future.
What happened to Slugs in This Country?
The character Slugs (Michael Slugett) passed away at the start of Series 3, mirroring the real-life passing of actor Michael Sleggs in 2019.
Is the Vicar a real person?
No, Reverend Francis Seaton is a fictional character played by professional actor Paul Chahidi, though his character is based on various vicars the Coopers knew growing up.
What is “Big Mandy” based on?
Ashley McGuire’s character is an amalgamation of various “local legends” and intimidating figures the creators encountered in their hometown of Cirencester.
Can you visit the bus shelter from This Country?
Yes, the bus shelter is a permanent fixture on Northleach High Street and is a popular spot for fans to take photos.
Did This Country win a BAFTA?
Yes, the show won multiple BAFTAs, including Best Scripted Comedy and Best Female Performance for Daisy May Cooper.
How many episodes of This Country are there?
There are 19 episodes in total: six in Series 1, six in Series 2, one “Aftermath” special, and six in Series 3.
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