Channel Dave to broadcast puppet comedy

Dave, the newly launched UKTV-owned Freeview channel, has commissioned its first new comedy series; a panel show hosted by a puppet.

And Then You Die is described as a brand new dark comedy panel show about the horrible disappointment that is life. "Host Barrie Stardust is joined by a panel of star comedians. But Barrie is a host like no other... not least because he happens to be a puppet! Each round of the show is based on life's terminal failures, disappointments and annoyances. But this is no gloom-fest... And Then You Die can always see the funny side of being miserable."

The channel has given Barrie Stardust a fictional background, calling him: "one of the world's biggest TV stars from the 1980s (until an 'incident' in a lay-by ruined his career). A man thought to be washed up and adrift on the shore of Light Entertainment Beach. Variously, he's been described as a cross between Krusty the Clown, John Leslie and Angus Deayton."

Joining the puppet will be a select group of panellists who are all up and coming comedians with well-honed improv. skills. Whether they're fully prepared for the argumentative, boozing and foul-mouthed Barrie Stardust is another thing entirely. Guest confirmed include Jo Caulfield, Robin Ince and Stephen K Amos.

The channel, formerly UKTV G2, has made six half-hour episodes of the show; the first will air on Monday 26th November.