BBC Three orders new pilot Murder In Successville
BBC Three has announced it is working on a new pilot titled Murder In Successville.
The programme is described as a "hybrid comedy, entertainment and murder mystery show".
The BBC explains: "The show is set in Successville, a fictional town brimming with celebrities such as Gordon Ramsey, Cheryl Cole, the Cowells and the Beckhams. It's a surreal place that also has an unfortunately high incidence of celebrity homicide.
"Attempting to keep a lid on it all is Successville's greatest detective, DCI Sleet, who each week enlists the help of a real celebrity guest sidekick to solve the latest high profile celebrity homicide."
DCI Sleet will be played by Tom Davis (pictured). The character comedian and actor has previously appeared in shows including The Warm Up Guy and Live At The Electric. Impressionists will be used to portray some of the celebrities, with Morgana Robinson - whom Davis has worked with previously on The Morgana Show - taking a central role. However, the format also sees some celebrities playing themselves.
The producers elaborate: "The celebrity townsfolk are ridiculous versions of themselves and are played by an exciting pool of impressionists and comedians, including Morgana Robinson. Alongside Detective Sleet, a real life celebrity has the daunting task of trying to make sense of this surreal world, walking the streets of Successville and attempting to solve a murder."
The half-hour pilot episode is being produced by Tiger Aspect Productions and the Executive Producers are Crackanory's Andy Brereton and Ben Cavey.
As already reported by BCG, the channel also confirmed today the return of Backchat and The Revolution Will Be Televised (story). Additionally, as previously reported, Nick Helm's Heavy Entertainment will return to the channel for a full series.
Zai Bennett, the controller of BBC Three who will soon depart to run Sky Atlantic, says: "BBC Three is committed to bringing the best in entertainment to its audiences so I'm delighted to announce this raft of exciting new and returning shows.
"BBC Three discovered the brilliant Nick Helm and Heavy Entertainment promises to be just as quirky and special as Uncle. Murder In Successville takes murder mystery to a whole new level and I can't wait to see what happens in this weird and wonderful place.
"Backchat was a big hit for the channel last year so I'm delighted that Jack and Michael are returning with two specials and [dating show format] Sexy Beasts was a real talking point when the pilot aired so I have high hopes for the series. And what can I say about Heydon and Jolyon other than look out, they're back!"