Izzard to examine national identity

Details of Eddie Izzard's first TV presenting job have been officially unveiled.

As Chortle revealed in January, Izzard - who was once famous for his stance against hosting TV programmes - will front a series examining English identity for the Discovery Channel.

The show, Mongrel Nation, will be broadcast on the digital channel in June.

It will investigate such topics as the influence of Vikings on Newcastle football fans, how the English language evolved from German, and how roast beef is a Roman import.

Discovery Network director Katie Thorogood said: "Eddie Izzard was top of our list to be the presenter. Despite vowing not to do TV presenting, he agreed. He was happy to get his hands dirty."

Published: 25 Mar 2003