BBC1 to air its first Afro-Caribbean sitcom

BBC1 is to air its first black sitcom, The Crouches.

The family show, revolving around a family in south-east London, will be broadcast later this year, it was announced at the Montreux Television Festival.

The Crouches will star Robbie Gee. EastEnders actress Mona Hammond and Don Warrington, of Rising Damp fame.

A BBC spokeswoman said: "It has been commissioned because it is funny - not simply because it is about a family who are black."

BBC1 controller Lorraine Heggessey added: "This vibrant comedy will showcase the talents of some of Britain's best black actors and introduce new faces to a mainstream audience."

Published: 18 May 2003