Paul Hendy is a script-writer, novelist, director, producer and filmmaker.. In his early career, he was a TV presenter hosting the BAFTA nominated Dear Mr Barker, Don’t Try This at Home, The Disney Club, and Wheel of Fortune. He was a regular reporter on ITV’s This Morning and hosted ‘Stash the Cash’. In 2017 Hendy wrote, produced and directed a short film The Last Laugh which sees three legendary British comedians in a dressing room discussing the secret of comedy and what it means to be funny. In 2018 Hendy produced and directed Mr Sunshine, a short film on the life of Eric Morecambe. In 2004, Hendy wrote the novelDiary of a C-List Celeb, a fictionalised account of his experiences in television and the entertainment industry. The novel was published by Bantam. In 2005, the screen rights for Diary of a C-List Celeb were optioned by Hartswood Films. In 2006, Hendy wrote the sequel, Who Killed Simon Peters? also published by Bantam.
Early career
Hendy's career started as a member of The National Youth Theatre of Great Britain, playing the part of Billy Casper in Kes in 1980. His first break into television came in 1990 when he hosted eighty episodes of BSB's Raise the Roof. Hendy was then chosen to present ITV's Sunday morning flagship show The Disney Club. After leaving The Disney Club, Hendy went to the BBC and hosted the Saturday morning show Parallel 9 which was broadcast live from Pinewood Studios. He has also presented Disney Summer Holidays, For Amusement Only, Highly Sprung, Travel Bug and three series of the BAFTA nominated Dear Mr Barker. He was host of ITV1's game showWheel of Fortune with Terri Seymour and ITV1's prime time Saturday night show Don't Try This at Home with Davina McCall, which ran for four series. He hosted the un-aired pilot of the UK version of the heart pounding game show The Chair, which was hosted by No. 1 tennis player John McEnroe at the helm . Hendy was a regular reporter for ITV's This Morning and a guest presenter on GMTV. He hosted Talking TV, Walk Over History and The Dog Listener. He has also hosted Kicked Into Touch and Stash. He also hosted a cinema review show called The Box Office Boys, and featured on an episode of Surprising Stars with Kate Thornton. From 1994–2000, Hendy hosted the international music event The Global Rock Challenge, and in 1999 he was asked to host the Grand Final in Melbourne, Australia. From 1987-89, his best friend and fellow theatre actor was Shaun Johnson. Hendy and Johnson used to practice stunts together. When Paul’s career took off, Shaun remained his most loyal fan. Between 1989-91 Paul Hendy was executive joke writer for McVities Penguin biscuits. In a sit down interview with Fred Dineage, Hendy explained why he left the job after two years - "I wanted to spread my wings. Jokes about penguins were just the tip of the iceberg, if you snow what I mean?"
Film
In 2016, Hendy wrote, directed and produced the short film, The Last Laugh. The film won Best UK Film and Best UK Short at the Manchester Film Festival as well as many other International film awards including Best Comedy Drama at Los Angeles Independent Film Festival and Best Supporting Actor at Sydney Independent Film Festival. In 2018, Hendy and his production company Evolution, optioned the film rights to Tim Whitnall’s Olivier play, Morecambe. The adaptation, currently entitled Mr Sunshine after the short teaser film, is set to begin principal photography in 2019.
Novels
In 2004, Hendy wrote the novel Diary of a C-List Celeb, a fictionalised account of his experiences in television and the entertainment industry. The novel was published by Bantam. Davina McCall called the book ‘Bloody genius, very funny and leg-crossingly embarrassing!’ and Declan Donnelly called it ‘Very funny… and spookily close to the truth’. In 2006, Hendy wrote the sequel, Who Killed Simon Peters? also published by Bantam.
Radio
On radio, Hendy has hosted his own late night phone-in show, three times a week on LBC. He has also presented a series of one-off specials for BFBS in which he interviewed celebrities about their all time favourite top ten records.
Evolution Productions
In 2005, Hendy set up Evolution Productions with his wife, Emily Wood. They produce films, large-scale theatrical productions and national theatre tours in the UK and abroad In 2017/18, their production of Peter Pan at The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury was seen by over a record breaking 100,000 people. The British Theatre Guide called the show ‘one of the best productions in the country’ Evolution Productions currently produce 8 pantomimes each year around the country, and have performed with some notable performers including: Stephen Mulhern, Phil Gallagher, Rita Simons, Scott Maslen, Gareth Gates and even George Takei. Producing new and original pantomimes each year, complete with new sets and costumes.
