Al Murray plans new characters

Al Murray is working on a new sketch show – but without the Pub Landlord persona that made him famous.

He revealed that after 13 years in the red blazer of the xenophobic barman, he is planning a ‘multi-character’ show to demonstrate his other talents.

The show is likely to be developed by ITV, as part of the deal which landed him his own primetime Saturday night show, starting next week.

Last year, ITV comedy chief Paul Jackson said: ‘He has other characters he wants to try out. He’s not just the Pub Landlord.’

And now, in an interview in February’s FHM magazine, Murray says: ‘I’m developing a multi-character sketch show in case people get sick of the Landlord.

‘It includes Henry VIII. It’s set in 2007, in Wales, and he’s down the pub moaning in a Tom Jones accent that his wife doesn’t understand him. You’ll have to see it to get it.’

Published: 4 Jan 2007