BBC's online sitcom nears completion

The seven writers for the BBC's latest sitcom will meet for the first time tomorrow - even though they have spent the last three months working together.

They have worked via a virtual "writers' table" on the BBCi website to create a script for Cleaners.

Actors will tomorrow meet the team for a read-through of the script's final draft.

Micheal Jacob, from the BBC's comedy development unit said: "The reading will be the first time we will have met the writers and they will have met each other, so it is a big day for everyone.

"I'm very happy with the way the script has developed, but hearing a script is always the acid test."

The team of writers were chosen from over 300 entries. They are: Angela Churm and Christine Hall from Derbyshire, Richard Fair also from Derbyshire, Barry Hutchison from Inverness-shire, Carolyn Reid from Newcastle, Debbie Giggle from Norfolk and Tim Williamson from Twickenham.

The writers communicated regularly through the website, with editorial guidance from the comedy development unit. Viewers were encouraged to add their comments.

It is thought to be the first time a sitcom has been created over the internet.

Jacob adds: "The project has generated considerable interest among writers and I think has met our intention to come up with an exercise that has a teaching element, as well as being fun. "

Published: 29 Oct 2002