...but now with a black writer

BBC's first black sitcom, The Crouches, is to return despite attracting a critical mauling and only modest audiences.

A Jamaican-born writer has also been drafted in to work on the second series, after the first came under fire because of its white writer, Rab C Nesbitt creator Ian Pattison.

Lisselle Kayla, who has written for EastEnders, The Real McCoy and sitcom Us Girls, said: "I'm delighted the BBC has committed to a second series of The Crouches and thrilled to be joining the production team.

"I believe we need more programmes which tell the stories of black communities in Britain today and can think of no better way to do that than through well-written comedy.

"And with the fantastic cast and their drive and commitment to the show, I believe The Crouches has enormous potential to be funny, clever and observant.

"I'll be doing everything I can to help make it the success I think it deserves to be."

The original series attracted 3 million viewers, disappoining for it 10.30pm slot on the mainstram channel, but Kenton Allen, the BBC's editor of comedy, added: "Comedy is difficult to get right.

"Faced with criticism, the easy option would be to say goodbye to The Crouches, but some of the best comedies on British television wouldn't be here today if we hadn't stuck with them.

"We would rather listen to the concerns of the audience and build on the foundations.

"I'm therefore delighted that Liselle is joining the writing team and our cast of brilliantly talented actors to help the series develop."

A date for series two has not yet been announced.

Published: 23 Feb 2004