MTW unlikely to replace Boyle

Frankie Boyle quitting Mock The Week will ‘inevitably’ change the tone of the show, regular Hugh Dennis has admitted.

The Glaswegian comedian will not return in the eighth series of the programme as he instead works on his own Channel 4 stand-up show.

And in an interview with Metro today, the show’s host Dara O Briain said he didn’t think producers will be looking for a permanent replacement.

‘They’ll probably just have rotating guests,’ he said. ‘And probably have them in different chairs to sidestep the comparison.

‘It would be unfair on any new act coming in to put them in Frankie’s chair, because people will assume they’re replacing him.’

Dennis said it would ‘take a bit of adjustment,’ to work with out Boyle, adding: ‘It will inevitably change the show.

‘It’s a shame he’s gone. But you’ve got six other stand-ups there. If you can’t make a half-decent show with that, then you’re in trouble.’

Speaking at the Comedy School’s Funny Festival yesterday, Dennis said that recent criticism that the show was too testosterone-driven was justified.

‘It is more difficult for women,’ Boyle said. ‘Female comedy is often not as aggressive and show-offy – and that’s what you need for the show.’

Published: 30 Nov 2009