Sean Lock to host Argumental
The thought-to-be axed panel show Argumental has been recommissioned by UKTV Dave for a fourth series, but it will now feature a different team of regulars and interactive viewer participation.
Sean Lock (pictured) will be the host for a new 8-part series, with Robert Webb as one of the new team captains. The other has yet to be announced.
Production company Tiger Aspect will oversee the comprehensive revamp of the programme, which includes new graphics and an updated set featuring wallpaper and mounted moose heads to better represent Dave's distinctive channel look. Viewers will also be able to play along with the teams' altercations in real time, using dual-screen technology.
The Argumental format sees two teams arguing over a particular subject - one team for, one team against. The new series will include debates on subjects such as whether we still need the NHS, if smart phones make us stupid, and if Britain will 'cock up the Olympics'.
UKTV's Sarah Fraser says: "Tiger Aspect has done a great job to completely reimagine Argumental whilst retaining its most fantastic qualities as a place where Britain's top comedians can riff freely on the topics of the day. I'm thrilled to have Sean Lock and Robert Webb on board."
Dave's Steve North adds: "Argumental has built up an enviable level of credibility in the comedy community. The addition of Sean Lock and Robert Webb, coupled with the play-at-home technology, makes this series more relevant than ever to Dave's savvy viewers."
Tiger Aspect's Clive Tulloh says: "Argumental has always been a fun and challenging project. Rather like working with UKTV who have set us the challenge of remoulding the look and feel of the series. We are really pleased with the results and delighted to be working with Sarah and everyone at UKTV again".
Launched in 2008, the previous 40 episodes of the show have been hosted by ex-journalist John Sergeant and featured team captains Marcus Brigstocke and Rufus Hound (pictured) arguing over a range of satirical topics such as, "Recycling is a waste of time" and "The credit crunch is no bad thing". The series proved popular with viewers and was the first Dave show to be repeated on terrestrial television, via BBC Two.
The change in line-up is somewhat controversial, as the previous regulars wanted to continue to make the show. In November Brigstocke told British Comedy Guide: "The news is John Sergeant, Rufus Hound and I will not be used if Dave decide to recommission Argumental. I'm gutted." Earlier this year Hound and Brigstocke took part in an Argumental special as part of Comic Relief's 24 Hour Panel People, during which the duo claimed they had been 'fired' from the show.
The new series will be broadcast on Dave in October.
Here is a clip from the previous series, in which Marcus Brigstocke must try and argue that there's norhing wrong with battery farmed chickens (a view he does not hold in real life we ought to add):