Bradley Walsh unveils his Legends Of Comedy for Channel 5
- Channel 5 has ordered Bradley Walsh: Legends Of Comedy, a three-part tribute from the light entertainment star to his comedy heroes
- Jo Brand, Alexander Armstrong, Omid Djalili, Alison Steadman, Les Dennis, Su Pollard and Stephen K Amos are among the comics that Walsh will be interviewing
- "Having spent the last 40 years of my life working in comedy, it's been wonderful speaking to some of my favourite people about our favourite comedians who have inspired us throughout our careers" he says
Bradley Walsh is to present a personal appreciation of his comedy heroes for Channel 5, British Comedy Guide can exclusively reveal.
In the sweeping three-part series, with a working title of Bradley Walsh: Legends of Comedy, the sometime stand-up and actor, presenter and singer will champion the British comedy that he considers the best of the last half century, including performers like Morecambe & Wise, Tommy Cooper, Victoria Wood, Bob Monkhouse, Little & Large and Lee Mack, as well as sitcoms such as Blackadder, Dad's Army, Absolutely Fabulous and Hi-De-Hi!
Walsh, who performed a live show at the Milton Keynes Theatre last month, comprised of stand-up about his career and songs from his latest music album, suggesting a potential tour next year, will speak to a host of comics for Legends Of Comedy's three 90-minute episodes, slated to air in the next few months.
His interviewees include Jo Brand, Alexander Armstrong, Omid Djalili, Alison Steadman, Les Dennis, Su Pollard and Stephen K Amos, for what's billed as an "insider take" on the comedy heroes that Walsh has met and revered.
The Dr Who star and presenter of The Chase, who is also about to host the Gladiators reboot and makes the travelogue Bradley Walsh & Son: Breaking Dad with his son Barney, said: "Having spent the last 40 years of my life working in comedy, it's been wonderful speaking to some of my favourite people about our favourite comedians who have inspired us throughout our careers. We have a wealth of comedy talent in the UK and it's a joy to celebrate them all."
Walsh also executive produces the series alongside Ed Taylor, Les Keen and Ros Edwards for Honey Bee (Bradley Walsh: The Laugh's On Me, Paul O'Grady: The Sally Army & Me), with Christian Watt (Cunk On Earth, Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father) directing. Legends Of Comedy was commissioned by Guy Davies, commissioning editor, non-scripted UK originals for Channel 5 and Paramount+.
"Who better to run though his personal comedy greats than Bradley?" said Davies. "Our audience loves Bradley and we're honoured to have him on the channel for this big series. With great clips and interviews his run-down of the comedy greats will be the ultimate laughter-fest as the nights draw in."
Taylor added: "Honey Bee is delighted to be teaming up with Bradley again for Channel 5 in a funny yet fascinating look at the comedy greats that have been the laughter track of his life".