Grammer hits UK for Sketch Show remake

Frasier star Kelsey Grammer is flying to London this weekend to record an American edition of ITV1's The Sketch Show.

He is an executive producer on the show, which is being piloted for the Fox network, and he will be making a guest appearance in the first show.

An American cast has been recruited for the transatlantic version: Malcolm Barrett, Kaitlin Olson, Mary Lynn Rajskub and Paul F. Tompkins.

But in what could be a major career boost, British cast member Lee Mack, right, remains in the new team.

He is also flying into London for Sunday's recording at Teddington Studios, following a run at the Melbourne Comedy Festival.

Grammer said: "I'm thrilled to be in the UK to film the Sketch Show. I think Lee Mack is a terrific performer and I'm looking forward to the American audience's response to Lee and the show"

The original Sketch Show, which won a Bafta for best new comedy, has already been sold to 11 countries, including Australia, Finland, Russia, and Singapore.

Avalon Television is producing the show for the American market, in what is a major coup for the comedy agent's production arm.

Grammer is now seeking new projects for his production company Grammnet after recording the last ever episode of Frasier last month, which will air in the States on May 13.

Published: 15 Apr 2004