The Stage

Bafta-winning comedian Taylor lands BBC3 pilot

Published Wednesday 22 February 2006 at 12:10

Avalon Television, the independent producer that makes Harry Hill’s TV Burp, is developing a pilot for BBC3 starring the Bafta-winning comedian Karen Taylor.

The half-hour show, which has the working title Touch Me, I’m Karen Taylor, will feature a mix of sketches, stand-up and monologues. Dead Ringers star Kate Robbins and newcomers Claire Ward and Lawry Lewin will also feature in the show.

Sally Debonnaire, managing director of Avalon Television, said: “It’s fantastic to be working with BBC Three, and an obvious talent like Karen, on brand new comedy programming that has such exciting potential.”

Taylor is best known for her performances in ITV1’s The Sketch Show, but she has also hosted Channel 4’s nightly comedy show FAQ U and worked with Steve Coogan on his DVD.

Lucy Lumsden, BBC controller of comedy commissioning, said: “Karen is such a naturally funny person we’re delighted to have her first solo show which will add to the strong line up of female-led comedy coming through on BBC3.”

The show has been penned by Taylor, Smack The Pony writer David Quantick and Brenda Gilhooly, who worked Harry Hill’s TV Burp. The production team includes Brass Eye director Michael Cumming and Extras producer Charlie Hanson.