More Jam, Jennifer...
BBC recommissions WI comedy
The BBC has ordered a third series of Women's Institute comedy Jam and Jerusalem from Jennifer Saunders.The show comes a month after Saunders criticised the corporation's comedy policy, saying it contributed to her split from Dawn French.
Saunders is currently writing scripts for the new six-part series, with filming due to begin at Pinewood studios and in Devon in April, according to MediaGuardian.
Most of the cast, which includes Saunders, Sue Johnston, Maggie Steed, Pauline McLynn and Sally Phillips, are expected to return.
Last month, Saunders told the Daily Mail of her frustration with the BBC’, saying: ‘They are not making the kind of comedy we used to do - what they want now is populist programmes because there isn't the budget to try the more ambitious things we were doing. Really, that's the reason we've decided to stop.’
Jam and Jerusalem attracted 6.4 million viewers to BBC One when it launched in 2006, but average ratings for the last series averaged around 3 million.
Published: 27 Nov 2008
