Reality show line-up unveiled

Chortle can reveal the first contestants in the new Channel 4 reality show Kings Of Comedy.

The show will pitch four old-school comics against four modern acts, all of whom will share a house for the four-week duration of the show.

Representing the older comics will be Liverpool comic Stan Boardman and David Copperfield, from the Eighties TV show Three Of A Kind.

He is the only one of the trio, which also comprised Lenny Henry and Tracey Ullman, who did not go onto huge success. He appeared in his own Saturday night variety show in 1984 and a couple of children’s TV series, but hasn’t been seen on screen for more than 15 years.

Boardman was last in the news two years ago, after telling an Asian heckler at a Leeds United show: "Why don't  you go back to your curry house or shop in Bradford? Your elephant's waiting outside."

For the newer comics, Boothby Graffoe (pictured) and Andrew Maxwell have been confirmed.

Graffoe is no newcomer, though, with more than 15 years experience of  stand-up behind him, including a nomination for the Perrier in 1995.

Other likely contestants, though not confirmed by Channel 4, include Jim Bowen for the old school and Janey Godley and Ava Vidal for the new.

Kings Of Comedy, made by Big Brother producers Endemol, will be screened twice a night on E4 – at 10pm and around 12pm – starting next Monday, with highlights broadcast on prime-time Channel 4 on Friday nights.

Three nights a week, the comedians will be challenged to put on a short comedy show in front of a live audience, using ideas provided by the producers.

A different comedian will be selected as compere each night and will host the show, and the acts that fare best will win a place on the judging panel for Thursday’s night’s live elimination show.

This 90-minute show, presented by Russell Brand, will give the remaining comics a final chance to impress with a routine of their own material, before a phone vote eliminates someone.

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.”

Published: 27 Sep 2004