Channel 4 in talks with Dom Joly to bring back Trigger Happy TV
Channel 4 is in talks with Dom Joly to bring back his hit hidden camera stunt series Trigger Happy TV.
After 12 years away, the format looks set to return as a series for All 4, Channel 4's new online video and catch-up platform, which recently replaced 4oD.
Trigger Happy TV became a big hit for the network when it launched in 2000. Involving anarchic pranks and stunts, the show quickly became a top-rated comedy for the network and made a star out of its creator.
The format ran for two series and a number of specials on Channel 4, before finishing in 2003, with Joly going on to sign a contract with the BBC.
Dom Joly has since developed other prank shows, including the 2005 BBC One series World Shut Your Mouth and the recent ITV format Fool Britannia, however this will be the first time he has returned to the Trigger Happy TV brand since he made cameo appearances in a 2003 Comedy Central USA adaptation of the show.
The revival of Trigger Happy TV has been on the cards for a while. In 2009 Joly revealed he had written a script for a Trigger Happy Movie, although the project has yet to come to fruition.
Speaking to the BBC London radio station last week, Joly hinted the new format was on the way, saying: "I just went to Channel 4 yesterday. I'm doing it in a very different way. I'm doing it in kind of modules because I really want to make some cinematic-style ones." He added: "I'm quite excited about that."
Speaking to British Comedy Guide today, a Channel 4 spokesperson said: "We can confirm that we are in talks with Dom Joly about ways to bring Trigger Happy TV back in a series of online Shorts - Channel 4's original short form videos available on All 4, for when you only have time for a five minute fix."
Further details will be revealed about the project if and when it is commissioned.
It is not yet clear whether the new episodes would involve new characters or some of Joly's famous creations, such as the over-officious parking warden, the businessman with an over-sized phone or the fighting animals.
Dom Joly has just released his autobiography. Here Comes The Clown - A Stumble Through Show Business "takes up the story of his life from 14th January 2000 when the very first episode of Trigger Happy TV aired on Channel 4 and everything changed for him".