Dave orders a second series of Ross Noble Freewheeling
UKTV channel Dave has ordered a second series of Ross Noble Freewheeling.
The comedian confirmed the news via his Twitter feed, posting: "I can confirm I will be hitting the road in June for Freewheeling 2 for @Join_Dave the adventure continues. What the show is is up to you."
The format, which was first aired in October last year, is described as a "fully interactive, completely random road trip; an 'anti-travelogue'". The series proved a hit with the Dave audience, with an average of 339,000 viewers an episode, with a peak of 620,000.
The show sees Noble set out on his motorbike, with fans guiding him as to where to visit and who to meet by sending him suggestions on Twitter. The first series saw Noble compering a stranger's wedding, holding a porcelain pet show, battling a street preacher, and taking part in other unexpected adventures.
Ross Noble Freewheeling also involves some of Noble's friends from the comedy world. Series 1 featured appearances from Eddie Izzard, Johnny Vegas, Bob Mortimer and Rufus Hound, with 'some of his comedy mates and the best names in British comedy' set to join him in Series 2 too.
Given the improvised nature of the programme, there is no plan as to where Noble and the crew will visit in the next six-part series, only that filming will take place in the first week of June. The comedian told his 430,000 Twitter followers via @realrossnoble: "For those asking where I will be filming the new Freewheeling. I have no idea there is no pre planning. Tweet me & you may end up in the show."
In a statement released via the network, Noble added: "Freewheeling is the most exciting and fun way to make a show, it's great that Dave are into making telly this way. I would love to tell you what to expect for the second series but until the tweets start coming in I have no idea."
UKTV's Iain Coyle says: "I am thrilled we're doing a second series of Freewheeling, Ross is simply a genius at improvisation and, with the help of a crack team at North One, he's created a unique and hilarious format. It's a brave commission by UKTV because, like last series, we've literally no idea where the show is going to take us; it's all in the hands of Twitter and Ross Noble's brain."
Steve North, general manager for Dave, adds: "We are delighted to have Ross back on the channel for the second series. The madcap experiences and utter spontaneity of the first series proved that a show can be driven by social media and Ross really was at the hands of the Great British public."
Executive Producer John Quinn commented: "Ross really can weave comedy out of any situation - but it was still initially terrifying going into such a genuinely unplanned and improvised journey, led purely by social media. This time around we'll know it works from the outset - and with vast tracts of the UK still to visit, we're confident of an even bigger and better series two."
Executive Producer James Woodroffe adds: "Try as we might, it was impossible to get Ross to conform in the last series and make a conventional television programme. I promise viewers we'll all be upping our game and endeavouring to make him concentrate this time. Wish us luck."
Series 2 of Ross Noble Freewheeling is expected to be shown on Dave towards the end of the year.
The below clip, taken from the last episode of Series 1, sees Rufus Hound and Ross Noble invited to take part in a human fox hunt around London:
Series 1 of Ross Noble Freewheeling is available to watch for free via the UKTV website. Watch online