10 Greatest Character Introductions In Sitcom History
7. Father Noel Furlong - Father Ted
Although Graham Norton is now the BBC’s prime time king, back in the mid-90s he was perhaps better known as Father Noel Furlong in this timeless Channel 4 sitcom, with his first appearance coming in the series two episode Hell.
The three main priests go on holiday to Kilkelly Caravan Park, boasting such attractions as St. Kevin’s Stump and the Magic Road. One evening Ted and Dougal to the caravan to find that the Father Noel and his youth group are planning on using it. Noel cheerfully brushes off the mix-up and insists that they all stay the night in the caravan.
Ted and Dougal soon discover that hell is being stuck in a confined space with the hyperactive and immensely camp Father Noel. From Noel trying to coax Ted into a singalong (“you’ve a lovely voice - very like Celine Dion!”) to telling ghost stories at six in the morning, the whole scene is comedy gold. Father Noel would make two further appearances later in the series, with Norton’s madcap delivery fitting seamlessly into the quirky world of Father Ted.