The Stage

Langham to pen ITV comedy

Published Tuesday 6 September 2005 at 13:45 by Liz Thomas

Star of Thick Of It and Help Chris Langham is writing a new sitcom for ITV1. The programme, about a hapless radio talk show host called Harry, follows his life as a bored bachelor DJ and his eccentric group of friends.

Although only at a pilot stage, the programme’s producer Granada is hopeful there will be a full series next year. Saurabh Kakkar, Granada’s head of comedy, said: “Seven Second Delay is a very funny project and one we hope will run for series after series.”

He added that the show would best suit a post-watershed slot - around 10pm. ITV is currently building up its comedy slate on Thursday nights. Later this month Rik Mayall will star in comedy drama All About George at 9pm every Thursday, followed by football spoof Mike Bassett: Manager, which stars Ricky Tomlinson.

The network’s controller of comedy Sioned Wiliam told The Stage ITV is launching a whole new comedy line-up in the coming months. The broadcaster is investing heavily in its drama and entertainment programming after months of criticism of its lacklustre schedules dominated by celebrity and reality shows.

It is yet to be confirmed if Langham, who also co-wrote BBC2’s Help, will star in the new sitcom. His other television credits include the hugely popular spoof documentary series People Like Us, Alas Smith and Jones, The Worst Week of My Life and The Muppet Show.