Hour-long entertainment show for Coupla Cans comedian

Mo Gilligan is to pilot his own comedy show for Channel 4.

Mo’s Town will mix, sketches, music, audience interaction and guests including Michael Dapaah, the comedian behind Big Shaq.

Channel 4 says the pilot – which will not be for broadcast – will ‘ harness the dynamism and joy of his critically acclaimed stand-up shows’.

Gilligan – also known as Mo The Comedian – has built his career online, garnering enough fans to be able to play major venues. His Coupla Cans tour takes his name from his catchphrase, which spread so widely even Drake has quoted it.

Gilligan said of the new show: ‘I grew up watching Channel 4, walking past the building every day on my way to school. So it's nuts to try and get my head around the fact that I’m now making a show with them. I’m so excited to bring what I do to the channel.’

The comic previously filmed another non-broadcast Channel 4 pilot with rapper Big Narstie.

Syeda Irtizaali, commissioning editor for entertainment at Channel 4 said: ‘We are delighted to have landed the extraordinary Mo Gilligan hot off the back of his sell-out tour. 

‘His high-octane style, comedic instincts and total understanding of his audience is reflected brilliantly in the very inventive, very funny and thoroughly modern Mo’s Town. He is an astonishing talent and we are thrilled to have him on the channel.’

Kate Edmunds, an executive producer for programme-makers Tiger Aspect. added: ‘We’re over the Moon to be working with the charismatic force of nature that is Mo Gilligan and opening the doors to Mo’s Town. Mo is a rare, unique talent so it makes total sense that he should find a home at Channel 4.

The pilot is being filmed at Peckham Levels, a converted multi-storey car park near Gilligan’s South London home.

Published: 25 Apr 2018