The Stage

ITV2 lines up comedy crackers for winter

Published Friday 30 November 2007 at 16:55 by Matthew Hemley

ITV2 has lined up a raft of new comedies as part of its winter season, including a new series starring Bo’ Selecta’s Leigh Francis.

In Keith Lemon’s Gap Year, Francis will visit a variety of countries in the guise of the show’s title character to discover more about their cultures. The show, which will include appearances from celebrities including Melanie Brown from the Spice Girls and Sharon Osbourne, has been made by Bellyache Productions.

The channel has also lined up a new eight-part comedy series from Avalon Television called Laura, Ben and Him, featuring sketches and characters from comedians Laura Solon, Ben Willbond and Marek Larwood.

ITV2 controller Zai Bennett has also announced a second series of Katy Brand’s Big Ass Show.

In terms of drama, Bennett has confirmed that Billie Piper will be returning to star in a second series of Secret Diary of a Call Girl.

Piper will reprise her role as Belle in the show, which is made by Tiger Aspect.

Bennett said: “Secret Diary of a Call Girl has been a huge creative and commercial success for the channel. The bold concept and slick production has really captured the heart of the ITV2 audience.”

The channel has also acquired the US series Bionic Woman, starring former EastEnders actress Michelle Ryan and Gossip Girl, created by the makers of The OC.