...for Channel 4

Rob Beckett is to front a retro computer game show on Channel 4, Chortle can reveal.

In Rob Beckett's Playing For Time, which will air this spring, the comic will 'travel back in time' with celebrity guests, who must complete a level of a game from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s 'to return to the present day'.

Kerry Godliman plays the ‘time lord’ leading Beckett and his guests – Josh Widdicombe, People Just Do Nothing's Asim Chaudhry, Rachel Riley and Scarlett Moffat - in the four 30-minute episodes.

They will dress in the fashions of the era, such as New Romantics or grunge, all while sharing stories and reminiscing about the movies, music and crazes of each decade.

Beckett said: 'If you think being paid to play classic computer games sounds like the best job in the world … that's because it absolutely 100 per cent is. I had so much fun playing with old friends like Sonic, Mario and Lara Croft.'

The show is being made by Rumpus Media, whose credits include Joel & Nish vs The World and Romesh Ranganathan's Asian Provocateur, in conjunction with high street retailer Game.

It follows the success of Dara O Briain's Go 8 Bit – which also features familiar faces playing video games – on Dave. Beckett has appeared on that show, where he spoke about his love of Fifa:

The comic, who currently presents the BBC One primetime shows Wedding Day Winners and All Together Now, even has a YouTube channel dedicated to him playing football game.

Channel 4 commissioning editor Jonny Rothery said: 'Gaming is obviously a hugely popular part of our culture and this series takes a unique and engaging look at how gaming has evolved over the last four decades. We are looking forward to teaming up with Game and a time travelling Rob to make Playing For Time a reality.'

Executive producer Emily Hudd said Playing For Time ‘promises to be a funny gaming show and, more importantly, an opportunity for Rob to beat his all-time top score on Donkey Kong’.

- by Jay Richardson

Published: 12 Feb 2018