Channel 4 acquires Mo Gilligan + Friends: The Black British Takeover

29 September 2022

Channel 4 has announced the acquisition of Mo Gilligan’s live stand-up comedy showcase Mo Gilligan + Friends: The Black British Takeover. The 1 x 60’ film is co-produced by Gilligan’s own BAFTA winning company Momo G and Lucky 17, sister company to the multi award-winning management collective UTC.

Filmed at the O2 Arena in December last year, the hour-long film features sets from some of the best of the British comedy circuit including Eddie Kadi, Ola Labib, Slim, Thanyia Moore, Babatúndé Aléshé and Mo Gilligan plus music from The Compozers. The film also includes intimate backstage access and raw up-close conversation with the cast as they discuss the significance of the history making event.

Mo commented, "I’m so proud of the Black British comedy circuit that I started on. The scene and it’s exceptional talent have nurtured and supported me since the very start of my career. I am thrilled to share our culture and bring together some of the best comedy talent on offer in this country right now”.

Pollyanna McGirr, Executive Producer added, “Mo’s passion for the scene which gave him his first big break is truly remarkable and we’re so proud to partner with Channel 4 to showcase this momentous moment for UK comedy”

Channel 4 has also announced that it has commissioned a brand new festive episode of the Bafta winning The Lateish Show with Mo Gilligan. Produced by Expectation and Momo G, the hour-long show will air this year.

Phil Harris, Head of Entertainment and Events at Channel 4 said, “We are delighted to be the home of Mo’s brilliant showcase of comedic talent and look forward to a festive burst of Lateish show energy with his Christmas special”.

Ben Wicks, Executive Producer from co-producer Expectation, said: “When we first started working with Mo five years ago, he mentioned he’d love his own Christmas special – and now he has one, he’s gone further than anyone in the last 2022 years to ensure it’s the biggest and best Christmas party ever held. Expect comedy, all manner of raucousness, and some off-the-scale revelations from one hell of an array of guests.”

Triple BAFTA winner Mo is a familiar face on Channel 4 where he fronts multi award winning The Lateish Show with Mo Gilligan and co-hosts The Big Breakfast and The Big Narstie Show. Recognising the talent and contribution of Black British comedians to the UK comedy scene is something Mo speaks passionately about in his documentary Black British and Funny, also for Channel 4, which is available now on All 4.

The 1 x 60’ film The Black British Takeover was acquired for Channel 4.  Executive Producers are Mo Gilligan, Rhe-an Archibald, Pollyanna McGirr and David Geli. The show was Directed by Chris Howe and Line Produced by Emma Carter.

The Lateish Show with Mo Gillligan festive episode was commissioned for Channel 4 by Steven Handley and Phil Harris. It is produced by Expectation and Momo G. The Executive Producers are Ben Wicks and Rhe-an Archibald for Expectation and Pollyanna McGirr and David Geli for Momo G.