O'Connor to profile US comics

Des O'Connor is working on a new ITV series examining the work of America's biggest comedy stars.

The veteran entertainer has invited a host of stand-ups turned movie stars to Britain for Only Joking, which is due to be shown in June.

Speaking to Teletext at last night's Royal Television Society Awards, where he picked up a gong for his daytime TV show, Des said: "I want comedians like Steve Martin and Robin Williams to come over and talk about what makes them laugh. We'll look at clips and see their performances."

He added that TV needs more live entertainment.

Reality TV is fine but you have to have performances on TV otherwise people lose interest," he said. "With my show I'm doing a little for live entertainment."

Des's new show follows the success of Mark Lamarr's examination of US comedy, Stand-Up America, on BBC2.

Published: 19 Mar 2003