Centra Launches Hilarious New Soap-Opera With Star-Studded Cast

Ever wondered what goes on behind the Centra deli while you’re ordering your beloved chicken fillet roll? Well, wonder no more, as Centra brings deli life to the small screen with the launch of ‘Centra Deli Drama’.

It’s Ireland’s newest soap-opera inspired ‘dramedy’, exclusively created for social media and bringing the entertainment and true ‘Irishness’ of community life to audiences everywhere.

Written by comedian and actress Sharon Mannion (Bridget & Eamon), Centra  Deli Drama stars Jennifer Zamparelli (who also collaborated on the writing of the series) and Cheryl Fergison (of EastEnders fame), alongside a cast of familiar Irish faces and surprise cameo guests appearing in each episode - from a famous Father Ted priest (Neil McCaul A.K.A Father Terry) to Paudie Moloney (The Paudfather), the breakout star from RTÉ’s The Traitors Ireland. The first episode drops on Thursday 30th October, exclusively on Centra’s social channels and the launch trailer is available to watch now.

Filmed in Centra’s Drumcondra store in Dublin and featuring Centra deli staff and a star-studded line-up of performers including Amanda Stewart (Young Offenders/Hardy Bucks), Carl McGuire (Penny Dreadful), Sorcha Morgan (Fair City), Job Ouenu (Vikings) and David Nulty (The Tudors), the series celebrates what Ireland’s leading convenience retailer, Centra, is best known for - its people, quality deli food and playful Irish spirit. From the iconic Chicken Fillet Roll to Frank and Honest coffee and new favourites like Caramico pizza and Lickin' Chicken Sauce, every episode is a wink to the products Ireland loves, wrapped up in witty storytelling and plenty of deli-side drama.

But behind the laughs, Centra Deli Drama also shines a light on what makes Centra much more than just your local convenience store. It’s the cornerstone of towns and villages right across Ireland, where connections are made and stories are shared, whether popping in for those last-minute essentials or planning a get-together with friends.  With more than 500 stores nationwide, Centra has built its reputation on quality, value, and genuine connection. Each store is independently owned and run by local people who know their communities inside out, the ones who will have your order ready before you’ve even said a word.

Across four hilarious two-minute episodes, we follow Centra deli worker Sharon (Jennifer Zamparelli) whose life is turned upside down when her estranged sister Pam (Cheryl Fergison) returns home to Ireland and heads straight to her sister’s Centra. Cue family feuds, a missing Lottery ticket and a side order of scandal.

Jennifer Zamparelli leads as Sharon, the prideful yet bossy deli manager with a flair for dramatic poses and witty quips. Known for her comic chops and conversational on-screen energy, Jennifer is the perfect voice of the deli counter, juggling staff, customers and high-stakes sandwich orders while delivering lines with deadpan charm.

Jennifer says: “Centra has always been a part of Irish life and culture, and being involved in Deli Drama lets me celebrate that connection. Playing Sharon, as well as collaborating with the writer, has allowed me to have the best time on set and work with some lovely people along the way!”

Cheryl Fergison, best known for her portrayal of Heather Trott on EastEnders, returns to the soap world in the role of Pam, Sharon’s estranged sister whose dramatic arrival at the deli sets off a tornado of conflict, confession and comical chaos. Her appearance in Centra Deli Drama marks a spirited and much-anticipated comeback.

Cheryl says: "Returning to soapland in this way has been brilliant and doing it for a social media series is such a fresh twist. Playing Pam allows me to bring a little mischief and lots of laughs to this hilarious Irish drama.”

Rita Kirwan, Marketing Director, Musgrave Retail, said:
“We're proud to be at the heart of communities throughout Ireland and we see the stories and humour that unfold every day. That's why we created Centra Deli Drama, to celebrate the real, the funny and the uniquely Irish moments that make Centra so much more than a store."

With Centra Deli Drama, Centra offers a fresh and entertaining way to celebrate what happens at the heart of every store and connection. The series takes everyday moments that happen across Centra delis nationwide and turns them into the kind of comedy that only Irish life can inspire. It’s a playful nod to the humour, warmth, and personality that define the Centra experience, while shining a light on the products customers love most. By blending entertainment with authenticity, Centra is proving that great food and great storytelling go hand in hand.

A runaway lottery ticket. A long-lost sister. A deli divided. Centra Deli Drama serves up the perfect recipe for product-led entertainment, mixing betrayal, romance, reconciliation and even a live birth on the shop floor, with a healthy dose of craic.

The four-part dramedy runs from 28th October with the final episode airing on 1 December 2025 on Centra’s social channels.