Will it work? Place bet NOW!!!!!

Banzai, the show that parodies Japanese TV, has been sold - to Japan.

A pilot episode of the spoof Channel 4 betting show is to be shown in Japan to see how cult characters such as Shakyhands Man are received by audiences.

Show producer RDF cut the deal with an undisclosed broadcaster at this week's international programme market in Cannes.

Head of sales Anne-Marie Pardoe told trade newspaper Broadcast: "As it is a bit of a strange programme, the broadcaster wanted to see how it went first, but the humour seems to travel very well internationally.'

Banzai airs in 25 countries worldwide.

Funeral stunt: All bets off

Published: 18 Apr 2002