Simon Brodkin to star in online prank series for All 4
- The comedian who pranked VW cars with a 'cheat box' was filming a Channel 4 show
- Simon Brodkin will star in the prank series for the broadcaster's All 4 on-demand platform
- The Volkswagen prank and other "audacious stunts" will be broadcast online later this year
Channel 4 has revealed that Simon Brodkin, the character comedian who invaded the stage at a Volkswagen presentation on Tuesday to install a 'cheat box' on a car, is working on an online series for its All 4 platform.
The network called Brodkin, who often performs as the character Lee Nelson, an "untameable prankster". Previous stunts, carried out before he signed the new deal with Channel 4, have included showering "corrupt" FIFA president Sepp Blatter with money at a press conference, gatecrashing Kanye West's Glastonbury set, and attempting to board an England mens' football team's chartered flight dressed in the same outfit as the players.
His latest prank - which the TV network has confirmed was filmed as part of the new online series - involved invading the stage at the Geneva Motor Show as a Volkswagen executive was giving a presentation.
Channel 4 explains: "In his latest stunt, Brodkin, in character, stormed the stage wielding a 'cheat box' in reference to the car company's emissions scandal. Astounded Volkswagen board member Juergen Stackmann who was delivering the VW presentation at the time, was left floundering as the comedian crawled under the car to show the media how the device could 'fix' the problem."
The stunt was carried out in front of the media, and thus photos and videos of the stage invasion have already been widely circulated around the world. Here is video footage of the stunt:
Channel 4 says it will shortly be releasing behind-the-scenes footage via all4.com/simonbrodkin
Brodkin is now working with production company Avalon Television to film further stunts, the targets of which have yet to be revealed. Channel 4, talking about the VW stunt, explains: "The moment, alongside other audacious stunts, will form part of a brand new series of original shorts for All 4 later in the year. Simon has signed an exclusive deal with All 4 and will be a key face on the platform."
Channel 4 is in the process of commissioning a number of online series in an attempt to attract more users to its on-demand platform, previously known as 4oD. As previously reported, it is believed Dom Joly is filming new Trigger Happy TV sketches for All 4, too.