The Specials

The Specials is such a brilliant programme, only seen 10 minutes & i've been laughing and sighing for Sam! Well, now BB's got the axe, who knows - could this fill its space? Well at least these housemates have got proper personalities!!

Aw I hope Sam gets a girfriend soon, what a catch! Wonder what effect Megan's arrival's gonna have on the others - looks like she's gonna be a bit of a babe?!!

Check out the Guardian's article on the programme too http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/sep/02/the-specials-docusoap-lear...

Just watched the first episode and absolutely loved it. Can't wait to see part 2. I really like the fact that the housemates are telling their own story. There's a nice narrative going on there but it doesn't feel heavily manipulated by the filmmakers. And so far, unlike this year's Big Brother, I actually like all of the housemates. But I think I'll have to express a particular preference for Lewis. Bring on part 2!

G'day from Phil, Teresa & Sean now living in Melbourne, Australia. We met Sam when he was living out in Brunei with his family and always remember having great fun with him at some of the parties out there and especially at the Yacht Club in Muara.
Great to see him and his friends, aka "The Specials", having such a good time in Brighton and thanks to Fran for pointing us in the direction of the website.
Keep up the great work and have fun mate. Look forward to seeing the episode where you get the girl of your dreams..........and it will happen in time mate......trust me.
Cheers for now and send our love to your Mum and Mike when you see them next.

Hi ya Guys,

Just been listening to you on the BBC IPlayer on todays 'You and Yours' Program, you all sounded really fantastic. Really looking forward to seeing the rest of the episodes of The Specials to.

Alex

Ah what can I say guys well done to you all! So proud of you! Megan you are gorgeous and we cannot believe how much you have grown and in your confidence aswell, seeing you in all the footage, hearing you on the radio and seeing you on the news this evening-wow what a superstar. You've made me cry with happiness loads and i'm so proud of you and that you are my cousin!
I have thoroughly enjoyed the 1st episode and can't wait for the next one! It's lovely getting to know you all individually and seeing how your lives blossom! Your all lovely characters and are very 'special' people!!!! A huge pat on the back to you!
Well done to Carol, Daffyd and all the staff at small opportunities, it's great to know there are people out there who believe in these individuals and gives inspiration to us and makes people recognise that they really can live their lives like anyone else can!
Katy and co. -a brilliant film you have made - a grand job! It's months of hard work and what a success, fingers crossed that this gets the many viewers it deserves! And maybe the funding to show on tv!
Looking forward to viewing the 'Specials's lives from here and can't wait for the film premiere! Red carpets and limo's wow!!
Mwah ! Helen Dennis x x x x x

Well, I have just been looking at your site and what can I say??!! Keep up the good work everyone!!! A great site, a great programme - looking forward to the next episode :) xxx

Well.......here you go guys, your first steps to fame; enjoy every moment.

Thank you Lucy, Sam, Hilly and Lewis for being such good friends to Megan and helping her settle into the house. You are all stars and it's great to see your true selves portrayed in film. We are so pleased that everyone else will be able to see and experience the wonderful welcome we always receive when we visit you in Brighton. Thank you for inviting us to share your 'World'.

Looking forward to next weeks episode when Megan moves in. Not sure about the removal man though he looks a bit dodgy!

Angie x

What a fantastic series! Episode 1 is terrific and I can't wait for episode 2. I really like the look and feel of the filming and website, and I too would love to see this on DVD. I am very interested to find out more about all the housemates. More please! (Do we really have to wait a week between episodes?!)

Jan

Sam - you were born to perform! We are so very proud of you and thrilled for you ALL for becoming such overnight stars!! Lucy - loved your singing (even better than at Sam's 21st!!!) but Sam - good job you can act cos we're not so sure about YOUR singing (although perhaps slightly better than your Blueberry Hill ay?!) Better get Tom to give you some singing lessons before you next go for your night out on the town!! Still, what great friends you have and what an amazing film that Katy and Dan have created - well done to you two! Really hope that you ALL get the recognition (Carol & Dafydd included) and stardom you deserve!! Sooooo excited about the premiere on Sunday!!
Big kiss Sam - love ya! Auntie Marie, Uncle David, Tom, Dan & Joe xx
p.s. Uncle D says start playing hard to get and the girls will come flocking (but then again, what would he know Sam, I'm the only one that will have HIM!!!)

Loved the videos and Lucy you are a star and your friends are amazing. Can't wait for the next episode. xx

Hello!
I saw about the show on the news and thought I would come and have a look. Great show!
I don't think there is enough awareness out there of what life is like with special needs. It's good that you can enjoy life and be independant still :)

Looking forward to the next episode.

This is excellent.
Sam is a wonderful character and so so hillarious!! All of the characters are so brilliant and they make a great team of people, so wonderful and interesting to watch.
We really think you have done a fantastic job making this, the quality of the filming and the website is superb, especially since we've been told no one is getting paid for this! Seriously well done.
Megan we love you and are so proud of you and your friends. What a beautiful woman you are becoming and so brave for being on camera!! :)
We are very excited to see more films and see what fun things you all get up to.
You all bring joy and smiles to a world which seriously needs it.
We hope this all goes further than you ever hoped of or dreamed and you have our full support, we are right behind you!
Oh and Megan - watch out for that Sam :) :) :)
Love Laura and Steve Thompson x
ps - You all make this world a happier place x

Yep love it.

Can i be dad ?

You are amazing ! I loved the show and can't wait for the next episode. You put Big Brother to shame as you are REAL PEOPLE inthe REAL WORLD.
Whoever decided to pull the plug on your TV deal should be sacked... This programme should be available to everyone.
My son is very disabled and I have spent 19 years caring for him... You guy's and Your lovely "Brighton Pad" make it all worth while !
Fantastic just Fantastic x x

****** W E L L D O N E ********

Fantastic! This is a brilliant set up and would love to see my daughter being able to experience this kind of independent living when she is older.
The house looks full of fun and it's great to see the housemates enjoying life to the full.
Looking forward to the next episode.
Shelley

Excellent work! Thank you for sharing your lives with us - can't wait to see what happens next!! Excited for the future of my own little girl with Down syndrome; I hope she grows up to be as bright and witty and confident and good looking as all of you!

It's about time someone made a reality show worth watching! This is much better than some of the other drivel out there. I think there needs to be a big push for the TV stations to pick this up. I know of heaps of people here in Australia who would watch it.
Pity my internet connection is so slow. It is taking forever to download:(

I really look forward to getting to know you all. My mother works as a support worker for adults with Down Syndrome in New Zealand, so I will send her to this link.

And I have a daughter with Down Syndrome who is about to turn 1, so I know I am going to get a lot out of this too.

Thanks heaps for letting us into your lives......

Carolyn in Brisbane, Australia

I love you website and series, can't wait to see Episode 3! As a mum of a awesome 10 year old with Down Syndrome....you guys inspire us to support our son to have a great set up like this when he is ready to leave home. I just hope he finds such great mates to live and hang out with.
Sending all my friends to your website..........Keep on shining you STARS.
Sam you crack me up..........my Jack and YOU are so alike its NOT funny...the life of every party with a Heart of GOLD , what a treasure you are, Lewis you New Age Guy you, ya make me smile. Megan, your beautiful inside and out. Hilly ya a beautiful amazing gem and Lucy your a beautiful wise darling friend.
The 5 of you just ooze life and that is awesome.
Hugs Nicki

This is utterly fantastic. At Mencap Liverpool we can't get enough of this, we've posted it on our website: http://www.mencapliverpool.org.uk/2009/09/14/the-specials-a-drama-about-...

Only complaint is that your Vimeo videos aren't able to be embedded anywhere, as we'd happily carry them on our website.

Keep it up!

Ed

Hi guys I thought it was about time that I posted on here!

I'd like to say congrats to Katy & Dan for starting this, its such a great project & I hope that everyone who watches it is as enthusiastic about it as I am!! Keep up the good work guys!

When my mum first told me about the filming of the guys, I knew it was going to a be a great hit!!! This is totally unique, but more importantly it ll hopefully open the publics' eyes to really about people with special needs really are & I think from the positive responses from the premiere, that it has already done it!

Again keep up good work guys & the guys in the house I love you & keep on showing the world how special you are!

This is great stuff - keep up the good work!