Old vs new in Big Brother contest

Old-school comics are to compete against up-and-coming stand-ups in a new Big Brother style TV programme.

Kings Of Comedy will see four comedians of each generation sharing a house, with a broadcast deal at stake for the ultimate winner.

The line-up  of the show has not yet been announced, but Bullseye's Jim Bowen is rumoured to be among the older generation.

Bernard Manning, Stan Boardman, Mike Reid and Frank Carson have also been mentioned in connection with the programme, to be produced by Big Brother creator Endemol,

The show will also be transmitted throughout the week on E4, with a live eviction  each Saturday. It follows the success of a similar programme, Last Comic Standing, in the States.

An E4spokesman said: "Each night the comedians will perform a show before a live audience, with one comedian acting as the night’s producer.

“It is up to the producer to decide who will perform what, and with whom, and most importantly to ensure that the show is as funny as possible.

“The comedians who elicit the fewest laughs are gradually eliminated by public vote until the King of Comedy is crowned.

“How will the old school react to the new school? Will they automatically split into two groups along age lines, or will unlikely allegiances form?”

The last comic remaining will be given funding for a broadcast pilot show “that could mean a first break for some new blood or a second chance for an old legend”.

Executive producer Gavin Henderson said: “What I like about this is that it works on two levels - we’ll see them battling it out on stage every night, .and battling it out for the bathroom every morning.”

Kings of Comedy will start in early October and run for four weeks, with two half-hour shows each weeknight and an hour-long show each Saturday. Weekend shows will also be produced for T4.

The shows arethe first to be filmed in Endemol’s new Bristol studios, which will feature a comedy club specially designed for the occasion.

Producers are also seeking live studio audiences for the contestants to perform for.  To take part call 0117 316 0822 or e-mail: audience@endemoluk.com.

Published: 6 Sep 2004