Peter Kay

Strictly come spoofing

Since Peter Kay became one of the hottest talents on television, through Phoenix Nights and standup, there has been understandable excitement about where he might go next on TV. It turns out that he has chosen to go for TV: the tongue-busting title of his new Channel 4 show, broadcast this Sunday, is Peter Kay's Britain's Got the Pop Factor and Possibly a New Celebrity Jesus Christ Soapstar Strictly on Ice - a highly evolved satire on reality TV.

Using genuine personnel from wannabe programmes (presenter Cat Deeley, judges Nicki Chapman and Pete Waterman), Kay has devised a competition between fictional contestants, including Kay himself in drag as big-hearted chanteuse Geraldine. For extra realism, the send-ups will be broadcast in two parts on the same night: an early evening heat and a late-night results show.

Peter Kay's new look

The spoof reality show, shot both on location and in the studio, features more than 100 hours of music.

It will air as part of a Peter Kay night on the channel, which also includes Raider Of The Pop Charts, a documentary about his pop videos.

Peter Kay to return to C4 with satire on reality TV

Peter Kay is to return to Channel 4 for the first time in four years with a new satire on reality TV as part of a special night dedicated to the comedian.

Tonightly is a three-week 11 O'Clock Show-style aberration that's part of Channel 4's Generation Next strand. So-called because that's where they'll all be working in six months time.

Particularly the hosts. Pub funny comedian Jason Manford, who so wants to be Peter Kay it hurts, and his hypnotically awful assistant Andi 'Err' Osho, who's no rabbit in the headlights... she's road kill in the highlights.

There's a team of 12 - TWELVE! - writers who've clearly watched The Daily Show, with Jon Stewart, but forgot to take any notes. The show hits the screens at five past 11. They start work on the script at about five to 11.

Admirable as it is to encourage young comics, they really should start using them again. Because the evidence suggests Britain hasn't got talent. It's just got a lot of deluded students who all think they're the next Sacha Baron Cohen.

Tonightly is bad. Really bad. It's 50% smug and 50% tundra. This has been picked up by the viewing public... or rather, the lack of. A paltry 500,000 viewers tuned in to watch Jason Manford (No Frills Peter Kay) desperately trying to kick water up hill. Still, there's a part of me that feels a bit sorry for him, thanks to the people that surround him.

The inessential comedy panel show returns for an astonishing sixth series, with Jimmy Carr again marshalling six comedians as they recite jokes based on surveys and statistics. Returning as team captains are Sean Lock, generally the best spontaneous contributor by far, and Peter Kay-ish Manchester comic Jason Manford.

It's all a bit stilted and choppily edited, but it can attract decent guests (Vic Reeves and Griff Rhys Jones were on last year - David Walliams appears tonight) and will do well in the ratings.