Jimmy Carr to host Battle In The Box comedy reality show for Dave
- Jimmy Carr is hosting a new comedy-reality-game show hybrid for Dave
- The UKTV channel has ordered eight episodes of the format, comprised of four double bills
- It will see two pairs of celebrity contestants competing for space inside a locked box over the course of 24 hours
Dave has commissioned eight episodes of a new hybrid format, hosted by Jimmy Carr and dubbed "a pressure cooker like no other".
Battle In The Box is described as a "ground-breaking new comedy reality game show," seeing teams of celebrities locked inside a box for 24 hours at a time, each competing for space against the other, courtesy of a movable dividing wall.
When the clock starts two celebrity teams will move into a completely empty box divided by a moveable wall with nothing but a toothbrush. Once inside, they will only have cameras and each other for company - no beds, tables, chairs or home comforts. Over the course of the day and night, they will need to earn everything by winning a series of physical and mental challenges all set by the orchestrator of this chaos, Jimmy Carr.
Winning a game means more space and luxuries for the lucky duo. But there's a catch: more room for one team means less for the losers, as the box's sliding wall forces them into an ever-smaller space. And, with games set around the clock, the tide - and the wall - can turn at any time.
Promising to "test the endurance and ingenuity of some of the UK's biggest names from comedy, TV and entertainment", the series will begin filming in September and air in 2024.
Carr says: "We all know comedians are at their best when they're tired, hungry and lacking the most basic of human comforts. So, I can't wait to see how they'll fare in the box, with space at a premium and cameras watching their every move. What could possibly go right?"
UKTV commissioner Mark Iddon says: "Finally, we get to answer the classic age-old question of what would happen if Jimmy Carr locked two pairs of comedians in a giant box for 24 hours to battle to the death (ok, not death) whilst a moving wall threatens to make them live in a space the size of a photo booth? Because, you know, there is nothing like a wall inching in on your personal space to bring out the best in comedy!"
Dave channel director Cherie Hall said: "This format balances the perfect mix of challenge in the gameplay, jeopardy via the moving and claustrophobic wall, and a tonne of fun and comedy from the trials and tribulations of our celebs being locked together in a box. An exciting launch for Dave in 2024."
Jamie Ormerod and David Williams of producers Interstellar add: "Battle In The Box combines our two favourite genres, comedy and reality, in one stand out format that challenges comics and celebs to think outside the box while living inside one. We're delighted to be partnering with Jimmy Carr and the team at Dave to bring it to UK screens."
Jin Woo Hwang and Praise ChanMi Shin of original format creators Something Special say: "Something Special is thrilled to collaborate with UKTV and Interstellar on Battle in the Box and see our exciting format come to life on the screen. Audiences love watching celebrities go through tough challenges and it will be fascinating to watch how they strategise to secure their space."