BBC Scotland to air Euro football comedy specials
- The All Star Euros Sketch Show will feature stars including Jonathan Watson, Jack Docherty, Karen Dunbar and Greg Hemphill
- Panel show Breaking The News will present a special on TV and radio titled Breaking The Euros
- Martin Compston and Gordon Smart will present a nine-part TV entertainment series, with Susie McCabe a roving reporter in Germany
To tie in with this summer's European football tournament, and Scotland's national team qualifying for the final stages of the tournament for the first time since 1997, BBC Scotland is to air The All Star Euros Sketch Show, a Breaking The News special and an entertainment series hosted by Martin Compston and Gordon Smart.
Commissioning Executive Gavin Smith says: "What a comedy squad selection! It's great having all the big BBC Scotland names together to ride the wave of the Euros excitement. With a team sheet like that we hope Scotland fans all over the country will tune in to see the talent playing at their finest."
The All Star Euros Sketch Show
This special brings together "a dream team selection of Scottish comedy mixing established audience favourites alongside brand new characters".
The BBC explains "As kick-off approaches, the sketches harness the hype ahead of the Euros, celebrating qualification and teeing up the ties in Germany."
The starting line-up will include Jonathan Watson transforming into iconic football favourites old and new including Sir Alex Ferguson, Stevie Clarke, Frank McAvennie, Jim White and Kenny Dalglish; new signing Graeme 'Grado' Stevely debuts as Ally McCoist amongst others.
The one-off sketch show also sees The Chief (Jack Docherty) planning his ambassadorial trip to Deutschland. Plus extra Euros action featuring key Scot Squad regulars. There's also a Euros inspired scene from The Scotts (Rab Florence, Iain Connell, Shauna MacDonald, Sharon Young, Louise McCarthy, Lee Greig and Jamie MacDonald).
Additionally, Almost Angelic step back up to the mic and keyboard after a 20 year hiatus with Karen Dunbar and Tom Urie reprising their singing partnership, "belting out a hilarious selection of soccer-inspired songs".
Other highlights include Greg Hemphill who writes and performs brand new sketch material; while Ford Kiernan showcases a character new to TV in a brand new sketch. Other cast includes Gayle Telfer Stevens, Lana Pheutan, Manjot Sumal and Paul McCole.
Jonathan Watson says: "A privilege to be asked to contribute to the programme. Especially when I get to join forces with my old mucker from Two Doors Down...Grado. Hope the viewers enjoy our contribution. Come on Scotland!"
Greg Hemphill adds: "Look forward to this Euros comedy star special the same way you're looking forward to the actual Euros...expect the unexpected and get ready to belly laugh!"
Karen Dunbar is excited about the sketch show: "Words canny describe how happy I am that Almost Angelic are part of the Euro Show. To be part of the support for oor country's team is a huge honour and I wish them all the luck in the world in the competition!"
Breaking The Euros
Breaking The News rebrands as Breaking The Euros for "a very special look at Euro 2024, bringing together the worlds of comedy and sport to talk all things Germany".
Jay Lafferty, Ray Bradshaw and Athena Kugblenu will be joined by Off The Ball stars Stuart Cosgrove and Tam Cowan and host of the football podcast Sacked in The Morning, Amy Irons.
Breaking The Euros will look at the teams Scotland face, the lengths fans have gone to get there and more importantly, asking the question will Scots get an extra bank holiday when Scotland win the tournament?"
Breaking The Euros will be shown on the BBC Scotland television channel (Date TBC) and on BBC Radio Scotland on Friday 7th June with a bonus material edition - Breaking The Euros Extra - airing the follow Friday on the station.
Host Des Clarke says: "I am absolutely buzzing to be part of the BBC Scotland squad for this year's Euros. It promises to be a legendary summer of Scottish sport and the award winning team behind Breaking The News are ready to score with some massive laughs.
"As a lifelong Scotland fan, hosting Breaking The Euros is a dream come true - as it's probably the closest I'll ever get to playing for Scotland at a major tournament.
"We've called up a galaxy of comedy and sports talent to take part in the ultimate panel show where there can only be one winner. It's safe to say, this (un)sporting contest is definitely going to kick off! Come on Scotland!"
Late Night At The Euros With Compston & Smart
A series of "entertainment-packed half-hours" hosted by Martin Compston and Gordon Smart - which will feature fans, football and famous faces.
The BBC says: "Bringing the party atmosphere to BBC Scotland, the nine-part series will be filmed before a live audience in Germany during the Euros, offering a rollercoaster ride through the heart of Scotland's summer footballing adventure.
"During each show Gordon will also check in with their roving reporter, Susie McCabe, award-winning comedian, as she travels around the fanzones in Germany, lapping up the latest banter and news from the fans."
Late Night At The Euros With Compston & Smart will cover the group stages of the tournament, broadcasting on the BBC Scotland TV channel at 10.30pm from 13 June including weekends. The programme will not broadcast on the days Scotland are playing (14, 19 and 23 June).
Martin Compston says: "The last time Scotland qualified for a Euros in one country I was 12. Having just turned 40 I've been dreaming of this trip my entire adult life and the fact I get to do it with one of my best mates [Gordon Smart] and bring the Tartan Army along for the ride is gonna' make it two of the best weeks of my puff. Possibly longer...."