Tan France Channels Barbara Windsor in New Role for Comedy Series

Beloved Queer Eye star Tan France is stepping into unfamiliar territory as he takes on his first scripted acting role in the new comedy series Deli Boys. Known for his fashion expertise and charming presence, France is making a bold move from reality TV to scripted television, and it’s all thanks to a special inspiration — the late Barbara Windsor.

Fans of Queer Eye will remember France for his style tips and genuine warmth, but in Deli Boys, he’ll be showing a different side of his talents. France takes on the intriguing character of Zubair, a "British Pakistani gang leader who is smart, intimidating, and dressed to kill." This role is a stark contrast to the friendly and inclusive persona he is known for, and it marks a new chapter in his career.

From Doncaster to Cockney

To bring authenticity to his character, France had to adopt a new accent. Normally speaking in his natural Doncaster accent, France transformed into a Cockney character, channeling none other than EastEnders legend Barbara Windsor. Windsor’s portrayal of Peggy Mitchell was iconic, and her influence reached France even across the pond.

In an interview, France shared his long-time love for the British soap EastEnders. "I was an EastEnders kid. I’ve lived in EastEnders my entire life," he enthused. Despite living in the US, he still finds time to catch up on episodes using a VPN. "I used to take the mickey out of Barbara Windsor’s accent," he recalled fondly. "That’s why I did an okay job with the accent in Deli Boys because I’ve been practicing it for years in my private life."

A New Challenge

France’s transition into acting wasn’t without its challenges. He admitted to previously turning down roles that seemed to typecast him or portray a caricature of his real-life persona. However, the script of Deli Boys was different. It captured his attention with its depth and representation. "The script was profound," France stated. "I couldn’t say no."

Deli Boys is praised for its portrayal of the Pakistani community, offering a narrative that is both entertaining and meaningful. "This is a story about brown people, South Asian people, but told in a way I’ve never seen before," France explained. "They are fully formed characters. Brown people are funny, we are entertainers. It’s also violent, dramatic, and layered. I just thought it was so beautifully done."

The Storyline

The series follows a pair of pampered Pakistani American brothers who must confront their father’s secret criminal life following his sudden demise. As they navigate the complexities of their father’s underworld empire, audiences can expect a blend of humor, drama, and cultural richness. With actors Asif Ali and Saagar Shaikh leading the cast as Mir and Raj respectively, the show promises a compelling watch.

Alongside France, the series features a talented ensemble including Poorna Jagannathan, Alfie Fuller, and Brian George, each bringing their own flair to this multi-faceted comedy.

Deli Boys is set to debut on March 6, streaming on Hulu and Disney+. This marks an exciting new venture for Tan France and a noteworthy addition to the landscape of diverse storytelling in entertainment.

In exploring new territories and drawing inspiration from iconic figures like Barbara Windsor, Tan France exemplifies how artists can evolve and bring new dimensions to their craft. His journey from fashion guru to actor is one to watch, promising both laughter and insight with a touch of Cockney charm.