Jo Brand to host pilot of 'The Marriage Ref' for ITV
Jo Brand is to host a new comedy show pilot for ITV1. The Marriage Ref will see the comedian joined by 'top-notch' celebrities and comics to debate marriage arguments.
The show looks at real-life couples who are very much in love, but have something quirky and ridiculous that they argue about. The description of the pilot adds: "No tiff is too absurd for the show - from a couple who bicker about the husband's desire to stuff and display his beloved dead pooch... to a wife who is fed up of her husband taking his wedding ring off every time he goes out with his mates."
The format dictates that Jo Brand and her panel of celebrities and comics decide who's right and wrong in each of these domestic disputes - the husband or the wife. Producers say: "The show will be packed with laughs as Jo and her guests discuss, debate and add their own personal take to each light-hearted and very funny tiff."
The pilot is based on an American series of The Marriage Ref that was broadcast by NBC in February last year. The show was hosted by comedian Tom Papa with Jerry Seinfeld as one of the Executive Producers. Despite many negative reviews and declining ratings, the show was recommissioned the show and will return to NBC for a second series in March.
The British pilot of The Marriage Ref will be recorded on Sunday 30th January 2011 at ITV's London Studios. To be in the studio audience see our free tickets page
Jo Brand has previously been praised for her stints guest hosting Have I Got News For You (pictured).
Story update (April 2011): The series has been commissioned, but Dermot O'Leary hosts instead of Jo Brand. Full Story