Monday news round-up: seven stories
There's lots of British comedy related news stories hitting the headlines today. Here's a round-up...
Coogan to star in Craig Cash's comedy drama
Craig Cash and writing-partner Phil Mealey are working on a new comedy drama for BBC1 about a gambling addict. Sunshine will star Steve Coogan as Bing, the family man with a gambling problem. The show is currently filming in Stockport and Salford and will be broadcast in the autumn.
I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue cancelled
The spring series of BBC Radio 4's comedy panel show I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue has been cancelled because it's long-serving presenter Humphrey Lyttelton has been admitted to hospital. The 86-year-old is said to be in good spirits. The live tour of I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue which is currently touring will continue with Rob Brydon standing in as host.
Soapington Way gets full series
Following Harry Hill's double-BAFTA win last night it has emerged that the comic's spoof soap project has now been commissioned by ITV for a full series. As reported previously, Hill will play a pub landlord called Arthur Buttons in Soapington Way, a spoof soap set around the duck pond of the fictional town of Waffingham. The pilot also starred Mark Benton and Liza Tarbuck.
Vic and Noel Go Painting
According to The Sun, comics Vic Reeves and Noel Fielding are working together on an art show programme for Channel 4 called Vic and Noel Go Painting.
New TV series for Peter Kay
After a long break from TV, Peter Kay is apparently returning by writing and directing a new comedy for Channel 4. Filming on Britain's Got The Pop Factor begins this summer. The show, which will be aiming to spoof talent shows like The X-Factor, will see Kay play a number of oddballs, for example one character is a transsexual singer called Geraldine King.
Eddie Izzard to become MEP?
Eddie Izzard has said he is thinking about becoming a European politician.
Weekend Ratings
Have I Got News For You returned on Friday to great ratings. The Jack Dee hosted episode was seen by 5.9 million viewers. Meanwhile the second series of Benidorm, which was over on ITV1 in the same time slot, continued strongly with 5.6 million.However, half an hour later My Family thrashed Teenage Kicks in the ratings. The new episode of My Family featuring guest stars Perry Benson and Pauline Quirke was seen by 5.8 million; Teenage Kicks could only muster 2.5 million.
On Saturday David Renwick's Love Soup attracted 3.7 million viewers to BBC1. A repeat of Friday's Have I Got News for You on BBC2 got 2.2 million and the new series of The Comedy Map of Britain started its run with 1.6 million.
On Sunday evening 5.6 million watched Gavin and Stacey, Fonejacker, Harry Hill and Peep Show win at the BAFTAs. Elsewhere in the schedules Channel 4's satirical show Bremner, Bird and Fortune attracted 1.7 million, and at 10pm ITV1's new animated satirical show Headcases dropped 1.2m viewers this week to an average level of 2.8 million.