Just a retrospective, mind...

Paul Whitehouse is to host a four-part celebration of the sketch show.

His four-part series for the Gold channel will look at British sketch shows of the past 60 years, such as The Two Ronnies, Not The Nine O’Clock News and The Catherine Tate Show – as well as shows he’s been involved in: Harry Enfield & Chums and The Fast Show 

He said: ‘I don’t generally describe myself as an expert in anything – but I suppose it’s fair to say if there’s one subject I do know a bit about, it’s sketch comedy.

‘It’s been great going back over the classics and reminding myself what’s really made me laugh and inspired me the most since I was a kid.’ 

The show, made by North One Television, will air next month.

Sketch shows have fallen out of fashion with British TV commissioners – not least because of the expense of requiring multiple locations – although US programmes such as   I Think You Should Leave, A Black Lady Sketch Show and Aunty Donna have found audiences on streaming services. And Whitehouse as recently staged a reunion tour with most of the Fast Show cast 

Helen Nightingale, who commissioned Paul Whitehouse’s Sketch Show Years for Gold, said: ‘Sketch shows are a much-loved genre in TV comedy history and are deeply ingrained in British culture - and who better than Paul Whitehouse to take us on a funny, nostalgic trip down memory lane.’

And executive producer John Quinn added: ‘It’s always been a total joy to work with Paul down the years – and his genuine enthusiasm for the TV art-form where he first made his name has been especially contagious.’

Published: 7 May 2024