Dara pilots BBC One chat show

Dara O’Briain has recorded a primetime comedy chat show for BBC One.

The 40-minute pilot episode of Dara O’Briain Talks Funny featured Whoopi Goldberg and Russell Brand alongside up-and-coming stand-ups.

Trade magazine Broadcast says the show is being lined up for the 10.35pm Monday night slot currently occupied by Graham Norton’s Bigger Picture. BBC One controller Peter Fincham will decide whether to commission a full series soon.

The comic has already proved a hit on BBC Two fronting Mock The Week and Turn Back Time, and if commissioned the new show would make him one of the faces of the flasghip channel just as it boosts its comedy output.

Producer Anthony Caveney said: ‘This is not a cosy BBC Two show, it has high production values and guests that mainstream audiences will know.’

The pilot was made by Open Mike, the TV company run by O’Briain’s agent Addison Cresswell that also makes Friday Night With Jonathan Ross for BBC One.

Published: 23 Sep 2006