Seven news stories
Here are seven comedy-related news stories you may have missed:
Leigh Francis to host ITV2 panel show
Bo' Selecta star Leigh Francis is set to host a new ITV2 panel show in character as Keith Lemon, one of his creations. Celebrity Juice (a working title) is being described by production company Talkback Thames as "Have I Got News for You meets Heat magazine". According to Broadcast, Fearne Cotton and Holly Willoughby have been signed up as team captains for the 8 episode series, which is expected to form part of ITV2's new comedy line-up coming this autumn.
E4 to launch Edinburgh podcast series
During the Edinburgh Festival, digital channel E4 will be publishing a twice-weekly podcast series which will be "showcasing all the best and most exciting new comedy talent from the Edinburgh Festival".
Each podcast will be hosted by a well known comedian, with the likes of Jim Bowen, Jim Jeffries, Reginald D Hunter, John Pinette and Andrew Maxwell signed up.
The first podcast is released next Friday. To find out more, or for free tickets to one of the Underbelly recordings, visit the official website: www.e4.com/edinburgh
Here is a preview clip of Ivan Brackenbury, the 'King of Hospital Radio' (who can also be heard on The Jason Byrne Show on Radio 2 on Saturdays). Download (mp3)
Brian Blessed to guest host radio show
Those living in the southern counties should brace themselves: the BBC have announced that Brian Blessed will be looking after Paul Ross' show on Southern Counties Radio tomorrow (Saturday). Blessed says: "It is not everyday I get the opportunity to wax lyrical for three hours unabated." More Info
Larry Charles interview
Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm staff writer, and Borat director Larry Charles has praised Little Britain star Matt Lucas in a major interview with Broadcast Magazine.
Talking about British comedy, Charles said: "Shows such as I'm Alan Partridge and The Royle Family have a singular vision. There's no fear of appearing condescending to the audience. Because you usually do six episodes, you can really hone each one until it's fantastic. Everyone I know was always in love with Monty Python, The Office and Fawlty Towers. And now you have Little Britain - Matt Lucas is another comic genius."
To read the interesting full interview click here
TV Burp to get DVD release
ITV have announced they are releasing the best of Harry Hill's TV Burp on DVD this autumn. Harry Hill: TV Burp Gold will see the comic picking his best bits from the Saturday teatime hit show. And with specially filmed links and exclusive footage, the DVD will also offer a glimpse into a week in the life of Harry Hill.
The broadcaster has said it is also working on a new DVD of Al Murray's Happy Hour. The boxset will feature "a whopping 9 hours of hilarity at the hands of the pub landlord".
ComedyBox re-launches on MySpace
ComedyBox, the comedy video website setup by QI producer John Lloyd, has re-launched as part of MySpace. The new site continues to provide comedy video clips, but now also has a blog and links through to the 100 most popular comedy acts on the social network.
MySpace has also announced it is launching a new comedy award. The site is apparently "looking for the next big thing". A public vote via the website to decide who wins the generous £250,000 prize.
The new website can be found at: www.myspace.com/comedyuk
Comedy Demon expands
Meanwhile RDF Media's video download service Comedy Demon is set to expand. The company has brokered a deal with BBC Worldwide which will see its video catalogue swell to more than 1,000 downloadable episodes. Some BBC comedies, like The Catherine Tate Show, have already been added to the website, with downloads priced at £1.79 an episode.