Jonathan Ross to present ITV comedy showcase series
- ITV has ordered Jonathan Ross' Comedy Club, a series that will showcase up-and-coming comedians
- Due to be shown this autumn, each half-hour episode will see the presenter introduce four acts
- Jonathan Ross says: "There's so much incredible comedy talent around at the moment"
Jonathan Ross is to present a new comedy showcase on ITV.
Jonathan Ross' Comedy Club, which is coming to television this autumn, will see the presenter introducing four comedy acts in each of five half-hour episodes.
ITV explains: "The experience of enjoying live comedy from exciting new talent in an intimate space is unbeatable. With venues currently closed, Jonathan Ross' Comedy Club will showcase the very best new talents performing in a recreation of the vibe and atmosphere of a small comedy venue, all filmed within covid guidelines.
"Jonathan is always the first to champion up-and-coming talent and this new series will see him get behind fresh new comedians on the cusp of their big break, offering them a stage upon which to make people laugh.
"All destined to be household names of the future, these acts will perform to an audience under the watchful eye of comedy and broadcasting talent, Jonathan. Each new 30 minute episode - which will air on ITV later this year - will see four new faces perform their short but memorable set while more established names will get the opportunity to try out new material."
Talking about the new format, Jonathan Ross says: "Apart from the excuse to wear make-up, my favourite part of this job has always been giving exciting new talent a platform to show off their skills. The excitement and joy in seeing a new face come out and deliver memorable comedy is a wonderful feeling, and we want to make sure as many people as possible get to experience it.
"There's so much incredible comedy talent around at the moment with all too few opportunities to do what they do best. I'm very much looking forward to giving these acts the exposure they deserve, having a good laugh and finally leaving my front room."
Katie Rawcliffe from ITV comments: "It is great to be working with Jonathan on a new project. Other than Jonathan, part of the appeal for this format is it's a fantastic vehicle for finding and growing the new comedy talent of the future."
The five-part series is being made by the presenter's production company, Hot Sauce. Tom Barrett from the company says: "Not only are we incredibly excited about giving our finest emerging comedians the exposure they deserve, we're also looking forward to giving our viewers a taste of the excitement, anarchy and fun of a night out at an intimate comedy club."
Jonathan Ross' Comedy Club will air on ITV this autumn. The line-up of comedians taking part will be revealed nearer the time.
ITV is also due to film another series of his chat show format The Jonathan Ross Show, and the presenter is set to return on the panel for a second series of The Masked Singer too.