New panel show for Alexander Armstrong

Alexander Armstrong could be fronting a new ITV game show based on fake literary first lines.

He has recorded a pilot episode of of You Couldn't Make It Up – in which panelists have to imagine the start of books - and is now waiting to see if the broadcaster will commission it.

In an interview with today’s Independent On Sunday, he says the show is based on his ‘all-time favourite game’.

‘It's the synopsis game, where you read out the back cover of the book and everyone has to write the first line,’ he said. ‘It''s based on that, but you have to spot the real first lines.’

The panelists in the pilot, recorded earlier this month, were Stephen Mangan, Mel Giedroyc and Russell Kane.

Armstrong already hosts the daily BBC One quiz show Pointless, while the new series of his Big Ask panel show starts on Dave at the end of the month,

He also revealed he is planning a reunion with double-act partner Ben Miller, for a new comedy-drama. The pair were developing an idea for BBC One, and without giving away any details, Armstrong said: ‘They get the script next month and I\'d be thrilled if they gave it the thumbs up.’

Published: 17 Feb 2013