Romesh Ranganathan lands BBC chat show

ExclusiveFriday 7th April 2023, 9:02am by Jay Richardson

The BBC has ordered a new chat show from Romesh Ranganathan, featuring his mother as well as games and music
"It's coming," Ranganathan disclosed to fellow comic James Gill on the Always Be Comedy podcast
However, the fate of his BBC Two show The Ranganation remains "up in the air" he admitted

Romesh Ranganathan has landed a BBC chat show, British Comedy Guide can exclusively reveal.

The comic recorded a non-broadcast pilot with the working title The Romesh Ranganathan Show in December, featuring his mum Shanthi, and is now taking it to series.

Asked about whether there had been developments with the show since the pilot, Ranganathan told fellow comic James Gill on his Always Be Comedy podcast that: "It's coming". He then checked himself and added: "I can't officially say".

He also countered a report in The Times last week that The Ranganation, his state-of-the-nation comedy is facing the axe after five series on BBC Two.

The show, which also prominently features Shanthi, is "up in the air to be honest with you" he told Gill. As to whether it might yet return, he could only say "possibly, watch this space".

Shanthi's role on the chat show will be to "keep him in check", with games and music also featuring.

Ranganathan previously interviewed stand-ups on the 2017 BBC Three series Romesh: Talking To Comedians and has spoken to comics, rappers and other celebrity guests on his Hip Hop Saved My Life podcast.

The Romesh Ranganathan Show is made by the comedian's own production company, Ranga Bee.

Yesterday evening BCG revealed that the adventure series he co-presents, Rob & Romesh Vs, is returning to Sky Max for a sixth series, including an episode in which Ranganathan and co-host Rob Beckett visit South Korea to experience the huge popularity of K-Pop.

Last month it was announced that Ranganathan will publish his first children's novel this June, Lil' Muffin Drops The Mic. Next month he and Beckett will reunite to host the BAFTA Television Awards for the first time.

A BBC spokesperson declined to comment on The Romesh Ranganathan Show.

Romesh Ranganathan - Lil' Muffin Drops The Mic

By Romesh Ranganathan

From comedy superstar Romesh Ranganathan comes a hilarious and heartfelt tale that proves rap battles and baking muffins really can mix.

Ever since James's dad left, he can't seem to stop worrying about everything. Luckily his favourite hobby baking is a fun (and delicious!) distraction. But no matter how many amazing cheese scones James makes, he still feels like there's a missing ingredient in his life.

When James hears someone rapping in the playground one breaktime, he's completely hooked and starts writing his own raps featuring all of his favourite things - maths, his giant pet rabbit Graham and of course - cake!

Then he discovers that grime artist Brukka is on the hunt for new talent and James wonders if this is his chance to share his muffins, his music, and maybe even his feelings with the whole school. If he can just find the confidence...

First published: Thursday 20th July 2023

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