Howard lands topical BBC Three series

Russell Howard’s topical comedy show has been given the go-ahead from BBC Three.

The Mock The Week regular will present seven half-hour episodes of Russell Howard’s Good News this autumn – along with a best-of and a Christmas special.

Howard recorded a pilot episode earlier this year, but BBC Three controller Danny Cohen only announced the commission of a full series today. The programmes, made by Avalon, will be recorded in front of a live studio audience.

A BBC spokesman said: ‘Russell will offer his unique perspective on the big stories dominating all of our news outlets, from online and print to broadcast, as well as picking up on those sometimes overlooked things that make him smile.’

BBC Three has also ordered a six-part series of the comedy-drama Mouth to Mouth, following a one-off earlier this year.

The show, a series of interwoven monologues from six young people, is written by Karl Minns, the comedian who won the DailyTelegraph Open Mic competition in 2001 and now performs as one half of the Nimmo Twins.

Cohen said: 'BBC Three remains utterly focused on its commitment to young British performers, writers and actors. Russell is a huge talent who already has a great following and it’s exciting to be trying something new with him.

‘The one-off special of Mouth to Mouth struck a chord with audiences and critics alike. It's a beautifully written piece, and an opportunity to bring some monologues to the BBC Three audience.’

Published: 29 Aug 2009