... and a multiplatform future

The new commissions form part of BBC Three’s new spring line-up, when it is relaunched as a multi-platform channel.

Next month’s facelift includes plans to simultaneously broadcast all programmes on the web, as well as regular prime-time slots for content generated by viewers.

Controller Danny Cohen said: ‘At BBC Three we should be known for pioneering risk, and be obsessed with all things new – new talent, new programmes, and a new relationship between television and the internet.’

Trexx And Flipside is one such show, described as ‘a multi-channel sitcom’, about two wannabe hip-hop stars signed to a record label whose boss knows little about rap. The show features circuit act Valentine Flyguy – the creation of Zeron Gibson - in a supporting role.

The previously announced comedy and entertainment show The Wall, to be hosted by Noel Fielding, will also mix emerging comedy talent with user-generated content.

Cohen said: ‘Since the days of Saturday Night Live and The 11 O'Clock Show, it feels like this kind of nursery slope has been missing from Britain's broadcasting landscape. We hope this show will fill that gap and help to create some of tomorrow's biggest stars.’

Sketch show The Wrong Door, right will also embrace new technology, using CGI creations such as The Booze Fairies, a lovestruck dinosaur called Phillip and The Wizard Of Oswestry, alongside live actors.

Another new commission is Coming Of Age, a new sitcom creating by 19-year-old Tim Dawson, who is writing the series while still a fresher at university. The series concerns four teenagers in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, where he is from.

Vicar of Dibley writer Paul Mayhew-Archer, has helped Dawson with the script. He said: ‘liked Tim's work on Coming of Age and passed it on to a producer friend and my agent, who took Tim on.

‘Tim is a remarkable talent and is obsessed with comedy. All other television sitcom writers are in their late 20s or 30s before they get a script made.’

Dawson said at the time a pilot was aired last spring: ‘I've always loved comedy and, from a young age, wrote stories for myself. I love TV. So why isn't there a TV show that talks about life from my perspective, that talks about youth, openly, honestly, truthfully? Now there is.’

Meanwhile, Scallywagga is a sketch show set in the North, starring Sally Lindsay, Steve Edge and Neil Fitzmaurice, plus a batch of young comedy actors. Characters include Asbo PIN, who can predict PIN numbers, and pastry-loving Greg’s Girl.

The new BBC Three season also sees a second series of the acclaimed Gavin And Stacey, written by James Corden and Ruth Jones, and Pulling, by Sharon Horgan.

Published: 22 Jan 2008