Stand-up showcase to run at to at least 2025 - its 20th season

BBC Two has commissioned two new series of  Live at the Apollo.

The episodes to be filmed at London’s Hammersmith Apollo in 2024 and 2025 will be the 19th and 20th series of the stand-up showcase. So far 115 episodes have aired with seven more due out this winter.

Both  new series will again consist of six regular episodes and a Christmas special.

Over its 19 years, Live at the Apollo has helped build the careers of some of Britain’s biggest comedy stars such as Michael McIntyre to John Bishop, Mo Gilligan and Katherine Ryan.

Kalpna Patel-Knight, head of entertainment at the BBC, said: ‘We are very proud that we will be making two more series of Live at the Apollo, which provides a platform for fresh and experienced comedians to showcase themselves.

‘The show has consistently delivered the finest comedy talents to our viewers, and we are excited to keep bringing fresh and hilarious stand-up acts for all to enjoy.’

And Andrew Beint, managing director of  programme-makers Open Mike Productions added: ‘We will continue to introduce viewers to some of the funniest homegrown and international stand-up comedic talent currently working in today's comedy industry, and cannot wait to have the future comedy super stars of tomorrow perform in front of the famous Live At the Apollo lights.’

The forthcoming 18th series features hosts  Emmanuel Sonubi, Maisie Adam, Nabil Abdulrashid, Tom Allen, Stephen Bailey, Ria Lina and Lou Sanders introducing  Troy Hawke, Olga Koch, Michael Odewale, Susie McCabe, Jake Lambert, Rachel Fairburn, Celya AB, Neil Delamere, Lara Ricote, Glenn Moore, Thanyia Moore, Lloyd Griffith, Josh Pugh, Lucy Beaumont.

Made by: Open Mike Productions
Executive producer: Andrew Beint
Series producer: Anthony Caveney
Commissioned by: Kalpna Patel-Knight, head of entertainment at the BBC

Published: 7 Nov 2023