Live sketch and stand-up show

Ben Elton is to front his own live comedy series on Australian TV.

The comic will be host, writer and producer of Live From Planet Earth, which is described as a ‘smart, high-energy’ show for the Nine Network.

Elton already spends much of the year in Fremantle, Western Australia, with his Australian wife, saxophonist Sophie Gare.

He said: ‘I've had a great love for Australia for many years and have always been made to feel so welcome.

‘With Live From Planet Earth I want to bring a unique and exciting live comedy experience to Aussie screens... the audience, the performers and our guests will all play a crucial role in the fun which, uniquely for an Australian primetime entertainment show, will not feature either sport or cooking.’

Nine’s director of programming, Michael Healy, said: ‘Ben Elton is an extraordinary talent and Nine is delighted to have him join the network.’

The network says Elton will be joined by a cast of regular sketch performers, plus guests, comedians, music acts and international stars

The show will debut in early 2011.

Here is a clip from his most recent TV stand-up appearance, on Dave’s One Night Stand… and click here for Richard Herring’s commentary on the clip.

Published: 15 Nov 2010