Sketch show is ratings black hole

ITV's new sketch show has been a ratings flop, despite its star-studded line-up.

Thursday night's All Star Comedy Show boasted the cream of comic talent, including Steve Coogan, Matt Lucas, David Walliams, Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer.

But it attracted just 3.1 million viewers to its 10pm timeslot, meaning fewer than one viewer in six tuned in.

By comparisson, BBC1's Ten O'Clock News attracted 5.2 million viewers and a 26 per cent audience share.

A second episode of the All-Star Comedy Show goes out next Wednesday. It had been hoped the two specials would lead to a series.

Published: 30 Apr 2004