Alison Hammond joins Sky's On Demand pilot
Alison Hammond has been announced as a team captain for On Demand, Sky's panel show pilot about television.
As previously reported by BCG, On Demand is described as "a celebration of TV" that "sees comics, actors and personalities compete across a series of intriguing rounds to see who knows the most about telly".
Produced by the company behind Never Mind The Buzzcocks, the show features Rob Beckett as host, and Josh Widdicombe as the other team captain.
Sky say: "Do you know your House Of The Dragon from your Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills? Can you list an actor's previous TV appearances like IMDb? Sky Max's new pilot On Demand, is an exciting new comedy show putting your cultural knowledge to the test, celebrating all the things we love about television. TV fanatic Josh Widdicombe and TV royalty Alison Hammond star alongside outspoken host Rob Beckett as team captains, guiding their team of stars of the small screen and comic telly fans through a series of dynamic rounds to prove who knows the most about our beloved TV."
They add: "On Demand adopts the same tone as their acclaimed music quiz show Never Mind The Buzzcocks. With dynamic rounds, hilarious anecdotes and incredible trivia, chaos is guaranteed!"
Talking about joining the format, Alison Hammond says: "This will be my first time working with Sky so I'm thrilled to be finally joining the family. We all know that I love a bit of telly - when I'm not actually on it, I'm watching it - so I'm going to apply everything I know and have learned over the years and go for the win. Watch out Josh babs!"
Rob And Romesh Vs Series 5
Sky also confirmed more details on Series 5 of Rob And Romesh Vs, the format in which Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan try out new skills.
They say: "We've seen them do drag, take to the West End stage, dance on ice, and even score freekicks with the England World Cup team. They're not holding back with the challenges this year as Rob and Rom will be jetting off to Sin City, learning the tricks and trades from the legendary Penn & Teller for Rob & Romesh Vs Magic. They will also be pulling the strings as they join the London Philharmonic Orchestra at their Royal Festival Hall residency in Rob & Romesh Vs Classical Music. Follow the boys to India in Rob & Romesh Vs Bollywood, as they are trained in elaborate dance routines and fight scenes, before facing the test at a casting audition for a real Bollywood movie. And finally, they may both be recent first-time dog owners, but will they be best in show in Rob & Romesh Vs Crufts?
A League Of Their Own
Series 18 of panel show A League Of Their Own has also been confirmed for a new 10 part series, plus a Christmas special, for the autumn of 2023.
Sky explain: "The multi award winning sports quiz is back for its 18th series. Only this time the show is moving from a summer record to the autumn. This time, expect more topical jokes than ever before, bigger sports stars, more surprises and expect all your favourite comedians back on the show that is always in a league of its own."
Before the eighteenth series there was also be a six-part Road Trip series in which Jamie Redknapp, Micah Richards and Romesh Ranganathan undertake an "epic sporting odyssey across Southeast Asia".
The adventure starts at the Singapore Grand Prix, with a once in a lifetime challenge set by Max Verstappen and Christian Horner. Along the way they'll be joined by an array of star guests: Mo Gilligan heads into the vast Vietnamese jungle; Alan Carr and Big Zuu don lycra for a supersized synchronised swimming challenge; Patrice Evra and Maisie Adam race dragon boats in the awe-inspiring Ha Long Bay; while Joel Dommett and Emily Atack attempt the ancient martial art of May Thai. The producers say: "At the end of the road either Micah or Jamie will make their stand-up comedy debut - opening for Alan Carr at Hammersmith Eventim Apollo in the series forfeit!"
The road trip series starts on Sky Max and NOW on 17th February.
Sky also announced today Gary Neville's The Overlap On Tour, a four part series following football stars Gary Neville, Roy Keane and Jamie Carragher as they travel to different cities on their arena tour.
Meanwhile on Sky Arts, Master Crafters will return, however with Bill Bailey taking over from Vic Reeves as host. Bill Bailey's Master Crafters: The Next Generation will see the comedian "join junior crafters and seasoned experts as they explore wood carving, stained glass and silversmithing."
Phil Edgar Jones, Director of Sky Entertainment, comments: "From football, to music, to fresh new formats, it's another extremely exciting year for comedy entertainment on Sky Max with the nation's best loved and funniest faces. As ever, we're delighted to continue showcasing the best British talent and providing a platform for innovative and original entertainment shows."