All-star Scottish sketch show to celebrate the Euros

With Jack Docherty, Karen Dunbar, Jonathan Watson and more

A host of Scottish comedy stars are taking part in a sketch show to mark this summer’s Euros football contest.

The likes of Jonathan Watson, Greg Hemphill, Karen Dunbar, Ford Kiernan, Jack Docherty are among those contributing to The All Star Euros Sketch Show.

It is one of three TV comedy programmes to air on BBC Scotland during the tournament, including a football-themed edition of Des Clarke panel show Breaking The News, and an entertainment format led by Line Of Duty star Martin Compston and broadcaster Gordon Smart.

The All Star Euros Sketch Show includes Watson transforming into various football celebrities, while Graeme ‘Grado’ Stevely debuts as Ally McCoist, among others.

The one-off show also sees Scot Squad’s chief (Docherty) planning his ambassadorial trip to Germany, plus a Euros inspired scene from The Scotts (Rab Florence, Iain Connell, Shauna McDonald, Sharon Young, Louise McCarthy, Lee Greig and Jamie MacDonald).

Comedy musical duo Almost Angelic reunite after a 20-year hiatus with Karen Dunbar and Tom Urie reprising their singing partnership, belting out a selection of soccer-inspired songs.

Other highlights include Greg Hemphill who writes and performs new sketch material; while his Still Game co-creator Ford Kiernan showcases a character new to TV.

Other cast in the show, made by The Comedy Unit, includes Gayle Telfer Stevens, Lana Pheutan, Manjot Sumal and Paul McCole.

Watson said it was ‘a privilege to be asked to contribute to the programme – especially when I get to join forces with my old mucker from Two Doors Down…Grado.'

And Hemphill added: ‘Look forward to this Euros comedy star special the same way you’re looking forward to the actual Euros…expect the unexpected and get ready to belly laugh!’

Late Night At The Euros is a nine-part series filmed before a live audience in Germany during the Euros, featuring comic Susie McCabe as a roving reporter travelling around the fanzones.

Compston said: ‘The last time Scotland qualified for a Euros in one country I was 12. Having just turned 40 I’ve been dreaming of this trip my entire adult life and the fact I get to do it with one of my best mates and bring the Tartan Army along for the ride is gonna’ make it two of the best weeks of my puff. Possibly longer…’

Des Clarke will host Breaking The Euros with comics Jay Lafferty, Ray Bradshaw and Athena Kugblenu joined on the panel by Off The Ball stars Stuart Cosgrove and Tam Cowan and Amy Irons, host of the football podcast Sacked in The Morning.

Clarke says: ‘I am absolutely buzzing to be part of the BBC Scotland squad for this year's Euros. As a lifelong Scotland fan, hosting Breaking The Euros is a dream come true - as it’s probably the closest I’ll ever get to playing for Scotland at a major tournament.’

BBC commissioning executive Gavin Smith said: ‘What a comedy squad selection! It’s great having all the big BBC Scotland names together to ride the wave of the Euros excitement. With a team sheet like that, we hope Scotland fans all over the country will tune in to see the talent playing at their finest.’

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Published: 24 May 2024