Comedy set backstage on pop show

BBC Two is to launch a new teenage sitcom to go out on Saturday lunchtimes.

Popatron, which will be part of its Switch strand, is set behind the scenes of a fictitious celebrity gossip show.

The comedy, which features a number of newish comedians, r evolves around the team’s attempts to tackle disasters involving each week’s guests. Making appearances in the first show, which airs at 12.50pm on October 23, are Scouting for Girls and N-Dubz.

Stand-up and occasional Skins actor Joel Dommett plays the main role of Toby, the gossip show’s ‘fragile and quirky’ presenter; while Edinburgh favourite Fergus Craig plays ‘arrogant and lazy’ producer Devon.

Chortle Student Comedy Award finalist Ian Smith plays runner Sam, while other stars include TV newcomer Naomi Cranson as the assistant producer and Waterloo Road actress Sadie Pickering as runner Lottie.

BBC Switch is a mix of radio, TV and online shows, which also includes The 5.19 Show, hosted by former Chortle student winner Tom Deacon. It airs on Radio 1, BBC Two and the web.

Published: 11 Oct 2010