ITV2 orders Bad Bridesmaids
ITV2 has ordered a new comedy format called Bad Bridesmaid.
The show involves comedians attempting to disrupt hen weekends, with the bride-to-be having to pretend throughout that the undercover comic is one their real acquaintances.
The comedian is added to the invite list by the bride, but none of the other members of the party are aware they're not a real friend. If nobody twigs that the 'bad bridesmaid' is actually a plant, the bride will win a holiday.
However, to make things difficult for the bride, the comedian is tasked by producers to test the bride's nerves by misbehaving and also suggesting outlandish changes to the wedding.
ITV explains: "Hen weekends always throw up unexpected guests that no one knows - whether it's your mum's bonkers friend, your fiancé's oddball cousin or that weird work colleague who invites themselves along. ITV2 are tapping into this real world phenomenon to bring you a comedy series that'll change the way you look at hen dos forever! Six brides-to-be allow an undercover comedy actress to infiltrate their special weekend and reap havoc. All they have to do is convince their other bridesmaids and closest hens that their friendship with this crazy comedy creation and new addition to the wedding party is genuine.
"Our Bad Bridesmaids will be making things anything but easy for our brides-to-be as she attempts to put her unique spin on every aspect of the hen weekend - and the upcoming nuptials! Across four days of fun hen do activities she'll begin to meddle with the bride's plans making ludicrous suggestions to change everything from the wedding speeches to the first dance, the vows to the order of service and of course the bridesmaids dresses are high on her agenda - get ready for an explosive and hilarious rollercoaster ride as drama unfolds and sparks fly!"
Fresh One Productions is making six hour long episodes of Bad Bridesmaid for ITV2.
ITV2 commissioner Claire Zolkwer says: "Bad Bridesmaid showcases some of the best new comedy talent in the country and it is amazing to see the comedians act their parts over four solid days with hilarious results - but always with female friendship right at the heart."
The comedians taking part in the show are Holly Burn, Sarah Campbell, Anneka Harry, London Hughes and Anna Morris (pictured).
The format has been in the works for a while, with a pilot episode made in 2012.
Executive Producer Claudia Rosencrantz adds: "It's been amazing to give a platform to such exciting new talent and to see each of them deliver varied performances. It is brilliant of ITV2 to not only support this new format but also to be so excited about launching five exceptional new female comedians."
Bad Bridesmaids will be shown on ITV2 in the autumn.
This is not the first comedy format to play on the role of a 'secret insider'. In 2003 Marc Wootton made My New Best Friend, a hidden camera series in which people had to convince their friends and family that Wootton, in character, was their acquaintance.
Meanwhile, currently airing on London Live, CTRL Freaks involves members of the public having to convince their friends via social media that they are undertaking a change in lifestyle, with their actions being dictated by comedians.
Anna Morris, one of the comedians involved in Bad Bridesmaid, also plays a character called Georgina the Bride. Here is a video based around Georgina: