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.
From 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 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.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.