...on purpose for new ITV2 reality show

A group of comedians have been deliberately ruining hen weekends … for a reality TV show.

Bad Bridesmaid on ITV2 features Holly Burn, Sarah Campbell, London Hughes, Anna Morris and Anneka Harry playing 'wild characters' who infiltrate genuine hen dos in order to wreck the party and meddle in the wedding arrangements, making ludicrous suggestions to change everything from the speeches to the first dance, the vows to the order of service and the bridesmaids' dresses.

The brides are in on the pre-planned deception and must successfully fool their genuine bridesmaids and closest friends - who believe they're being filmed for a 'straight' documentary on hen parties - into thinking they actually know the comics, with the prize of their dream honeymoon at stake.

Made by Jamie Oliver's production company Fresh One Productions – which also made the documentary Richard Pryor: Omit The Logic and 8 Out of 10 Cats Do Countdown – in conjunction with the American company GroupM Entertainment, six episodes of Bad Bridesmaid are set to air in the autumn.

Morris, who has an existing character, Georgina The Bride with her own web series, pictured, will appear in two episodes as different characters.

Bad Bridesmaid was commissioned by Claire Zolkwer, ITV's commissioning editor for Comedy Entertainment and Angela Jain, director of Digital Channels and Acquisitions.

Zolkwer said: 'Bad Bridesmaid showcases some of the best new comedy talent in the country and it is amazing to see the comediennes act their parts over four solid days with hilarious results - but always with female friendship right at the heart.'

Claudia Rosencrantz, executive producer of Fresh One Productions added: ‘It's been amazing to give a platform to such exciting new talent and to see each of them deliver varied performances. It is brilliant of ITV2 to not only support this new format but also to be so excited about launching five exceptional new female comedians.'

The show seems to have some similarities to the 2003 Channel 4 show, My New Best Friend, in which a contestant introduced their unknowing pals to an irritating character, played by Marc Wootton, and try to convince them he was a genuine mate, playing along with every embarrassing thing he did.

- by Jay Richardson

Published: 4 Jun 2014