New Channel 4 series

Alex Brooker and a quartet of famous faces are to take on a raft of pastimes in a new Channel 4 series.

Joe Wilkinson, Scarlett Moffatt, Joe Thomas and chef Andi Oliver will be joining the Last Laugh co-host over the four-part series Hobby Man,

In each hour-long episode, Alex and his pal will try three hobbies, from popular British pastimes to more obscure pursuits.

Brooker said: ‘I’ve realised that I’m now in my late 30s and still only really like the same things as I did when I was 12 – basically Football and Ghostbusters.

‘And while most people used lockdown to find new hobbies or carry on their existing ones, I mainly watched children’s TV to keep my kids happy so I’m delighted Channel 4 have made me their Hobby Man.

‘ It’s been amazing travelling around Britain with our brilliant guests and getting out my comfort zone trying new hobbies. From learning to knit, making my own beer and getting panicked 3,000ft in the air in a glider – it’s been some experience! I hope the audience enjoy it as much as I have.’

Channel 4 commissioning editor Clemency Green added: ‘There are so many weird and wonderful things that us Brits do in our spare time, and we couldn’t wait to put the brilliant Alex Brooker through his paces. We’re delighted that he’s agreed to let us share in his undoubtedly unique quest to find a new hobby.’

The series was made by North One – which also makes Joe Lycett’s Travel Man for Channel 4 - and Motion Content Group. It will air later this year.

John Quinn, executive producer for North One, said: ‘It’s a win-win – watching Alex and his companion each week getting stuck into some of the huge range of new hobbies on offer was always going to be highly entertaining, funny and, no doubt occasionally, less than successful. But if people do like the look of what they see, there will be lots of practical information on how they can have a go themselves.’

Published: 3 May 2022