BBC looks to resurrect radio show Banter in TV format
Banter, the Radio 4 panel show format in which guests are invited to come up with their definitive 'top threes', looks like it could be coming back... but on TV.
The BBC is working with production company Avalon to make a TV pilot of the format.
Banter originally ran for three series on Radio 4 between 2005 and 2008, with guests asked to choose their three favourite items in categories ranging from playwrights to Playstation. The show was hosted by Andrew Collins, with three guests on each show. Richard Herring, Russell Howard and Will Smith appeared regularly.
The pilot for the new TV format will be hosted by award-winning Thick Of It actress Rebecca Front (pictured), with team captains Russell Howard and Chris Addison joined by two other guests.
Producers say that the topics the teams will be asked to discuss could be "anything from films to food, to celebrities to survival techniques."
Two warm-ups will take place at The Chelsea Theatre on Saturday the 10th and 17th of September, with the pilot set to be filmed on Saturday 1st October at BBC TV Centre (tickets). If the pilot impresses TV bosses then a series of the show will be ordered.