Britain's Got Talent impressionist gets ITV show
Paul Burling, one of the finalists in the 2010 series of Britain's Got Talent, has been given a one-off prime-time show by ITV in which he will show off his impressions.
To be broadcast this Christmas, It's Paul Burling will feature the comedian working alongside other impressionists to create sketches of popular celebrities, including Wayne Rooney, The X Factor judges, soap stars and Harry Hill.
ITV says: "Paul Burling and friends will take a comical look at the showbiz characters that have shaped 2010 by presenting impressions of them in sketches including The Two Rooneys, Downtown Abbey, Poirot & The Missing X Factor Judges, Roy & Hayley's Fashion Fix, Misery Come Dancing & Bless This Scouse."
The programme will also feature music spoofs: "With music from the team's impressions of Robbie Williams & Gary Barlow, Stacey Solomons & Shaun Ryder, it's set to be a hilarious evening of family entertainment!"
Burling finished 5th in this year's Britain's Got Talent - one of the most watched television shows of the year. Over 12 million saw the Bristol-based comedian perform a musical rountine featuring voices including The Simpsons, Little Britain, Graham Norton, Billy Connolly, Chris Tarrent and Only Fools And Horses.
Here is a clip of Burling performing in the BGT 2010 final...
And here is a clip of Burling's audition in which he won the judges' approval by mimicking Harry Hill...
The comedian had been working the holiday club circuit before appearing on Britain's Got Talent, but now looks set to join the likes of Alistair McGowan and Jon Culshaw by becoming a TV impressionist.
Speaking after his appearance on Britain's Got Talent, the comedian told a paper: "I was a bit disappointed not to make the final three. The feedback has been fantastic though. Harry [Hill] phoned from Spain to say congratulations. At first I thought it was a mate mucking about. He was really supportive and said he had been watching. He said his family had been laughing too. He wished me well and sent a text message after the final. There's a chance we could work together. Everyone wants us to do a fight off. Imagine it - 'I like Harry Hill and I like Harry Hill but which is best? Fight!'"
It's Paul Burling will be recorded at ITV's London Studios on Tuesday 14th December 2010. To see the show being recorded visit our free tickets page