Paddy Power keeps Colm and carries on

This new campaign for Paddy Power examines the rivalry between Ireland and Great Britain as both nations are under starters orders for The Cheltenham Festival 2023. 

The brand's first campaign since BBH London was appointed to handle the account in January, and the 60-second spot features actor Colm Meaney, who picks up where he left off for the brand in 2020, as it zeros in on the friendly (and, at times, not so friendly!) banter between Irish and English punters. 

In the spot, directed by Freddie Waters through Pulse Films, Meaney finds himself face-to-face with ‘the opposition’, in the shape of Paddy Power Football Ambassador Peter Crouch at the gates of the racetrack. There are supporting roles for Crouch's wife, the model and presenter Abbey Clancy, as well as the icon that is ‘Barry’ from Eastenders, aka actor Shaun Williamson, as the English get stuck into ‘the visitors’, with Crouch the first to strike: “Oi, Oi. Didn’t think you lads would turn up this year.”

Meaney hots back by referring to Cheltenham as “our patch”, but Barry intervenes, “You’ve been punching above your weight for too long”. “I’ve been saying that to him for years!” quips Clancy as she nudges her 6' 7” husband.

"We’re thrilled to be working with Paddy Power, what a brand," said Karen Martin, BBH's CEO. "We're delighted that our first work is for Cheltenham, such an important event in the horse racing calendar. Our lively take on the English vs Irish rivalry offers a fresh perspective on its legacy as a mischievous brand not afraid to have fun. And we’re here for all of it”.