Comedians to play darts for Comic Relief series
Update, 8th August: Lee Mack, Bob Mortimer and Sean Lock are amongst the comics who will be taking on players including Martin 'Wolfie' Adams, Bobby George, Andy Fordham, Ted 'The Count' Hankey, Deta 'The Dark Destroyer' Hedman, Darryl Fitton and Richie George.
The BBC have announced a new show linked to Red Nose Day 2015.
Let's Play Darts For Comic Relief will involve "the nation's favourite comedians and celebrities" joining some of the best darts players in the country for a special pro-celebrity darts tournament.
The tournament will be filmed to become a TV series broadcast in the run up to Red Nose Day 2015.
Hosted by Gabby Logan, the BBC explains that the show will be a "unique sporting event which will see the nation's favourite comedians and celebrities become darts players and each adopt their own darts persona, complete with nickname, costume, props and the all important walk on music".
The "star-studded event" is due to be filmed at Lakeside Frimley Green - the home of world darts - in September.
The BBC says: "Viewers can see professional darts players playing alongside a host of darts-loving celebrities compete for the coveted title of 'Let's Play Darts for Comic Relief Champions 2015'. There'll be top-notch sport full of genuine tension and competition plus big laughs and all the excitement you would expect from a Red Nose Day knockout tournament."
Details on the comedians taking part has not yet been announced, but Stephen Fry is on record as being a big fan of the sport so he is one possible contender.
Commissioner Pinki Chambers says: "We're delighted to be hosting Let's Play Darts For Comic Relief on BBC Two. Make no mistake; this is a highly competitive tournament which will be full of jeopardy and sporting triumphs. Expect some laughs along the way too."
The show will be produced by Zeppotron, the production company behind formats including 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. Peter Holmes from the company adds: "Let's Play Darts For Comic Relief will be a unique, funny and genuinely competitive sporting event. The sport of darts is known for its larger-than-life characters, dramatic entrances and incredible atmosphere. This show will mix all these qualities with a large helping of laughter."
Tickets to watch the tournament are available via www.lakesidesurrey.co.uk, priced between £15 and £30. All net proceeds from tickets sales will go to Comic Relief.
Let's Play Darts For Comic Relief will be screened on BBC Two early next year ahead of Red Nose Day, which has been scheduled for Friday 13th March 2015.
In related news, it was announced earlier this month that America is to create its own version of Comic Relief, with Richard Curtis acting as Executive Producer.
Below is the famous Darts sketch from Not The Nine O'Clock News: