NBC orders a pilot of her show

British comic London Hughes is poised to become an international star after landing her own pilot with America’s NBC network.

The stand-up will star in the sitcom and co-write the script with Larry Wilmore, the former Daily Show correspondent who also hosted his own late-night talk show.

Wilmore has a track record of creating shows with comedy superstars, including The PJs with Eddie Murphy, The Bernie Mac Show and  Whoopi, with Whoopi Goldberg.

He said: ‘I’m beyond thrilled to be working with such an exciting fresh voice as London Hughes in her dream come true. Rarely does a star burst on the scene as instantly bright as she has.’

In the as-yet untitled series, Hughes will play London Jones, who moves to the US to seek love and success after being dumped by her boyfriend.

According to the Hollywood trade press, NBC have ordered a so-called ‘put pilot’, which means the network would pay a financial penalty if it doesn’t go to series.

After the news broke, Hughes tweeted: 'The news is finally out!!!!! I’m soo happy!!! someone tell my mum please because I’m pretty sure she still thinks I’m in America looking for a job!!!!

'I just want to stress to you, that I’ve been doing comedy in the U.K. for 10 years, this is not an overnight success, and I had to leave my own country for this to happen for me. Please dream big, but always trust your gut.'

Hughes – who this year became the first black British woman ever to be nominated for the main Edinburgh Comedy Award  – is also an executive producer on the show, along with Wilmore.

Published: 13 Nov 2019