C4 orders more online shorts

Stand-up David Earl – best known as his alter-ego Brian Gittins – is to star in three online Comedy Blaps for Channel 4.

The broadcaster has ordered the short series called Cumbo, which will launch from Monday.

Earl, who also appeared in Ricky Gervais’s Derek, co wrote the show with stand-up Brett Goldstein, and plays the lead character.

Steve Gene Cumberland (known as Cumbo) is described as a dysfunctional ‘good time guy’ giving tips on how to pick up girls.

Nerys Evans, Channel 4’s commissioning editor of comedy, said:

‘Brett Goldstein and David Earl have created a monster, but thankfully one so entertaining you won’t be able to stop watching him. Cumbo is a delicious mix of ego and vulnerability, it’s a pitch perfect performance by David Earl.’

Earl added: ‘When I perform Cumbo around the house, it really annoys my fiancée so thanks Channel 4 (from her) for getting me out of her hair.’

Published: 10 Aug 2012