Matt Lucas and Mo Gilligan to helm new Channel 4 entertainment commissions

16 April 2020

Two new fast turnaround entertainment series, featuring some of Channel 4’s hottest stars, have been green-lit to keep the nation entertained whilst they are at home.

Matt Lucas, the undisputed star of lockdown and the man behind the smash hit viral sensation in support of Feed NHS, Thank You Baked Potato, is to front a new Harry Hill penned comedy entertainment series for Channel 4 from Nit TV.

Reasons To Be Cheerful with Matt Lucas will celebrate the ability of men, women, children, celebrities and possibly even some pets to entertain themselves during some self-enforced downtime. Airing from Sunday 26th April at 7.30pm, the six-part fast turnaround series will see Matt host a raft of self-isolating comedians, TV personalities, musicians, sports stars and most importantly, members of the public, all from the safety of his own home. 

Featuring a collection of comical comedy content from brand new sketches to upbeat homemade strands, the mutual minds of comedians extraordinaire Matt Lucas and Harry Hill promise to spread delight across the UK’s living rooms. 

Following a successful first outing for The Lateish Show, stand-up sensation Mo Gilligan is back to front a very special live four-part show where the very concept of staying in may win you a one-of-a-kind prize. Mo Gilligan’s All Star Happy Hour will be a joyful mix of his trademark sketches, viral formats, unique musical performances and hilarious prize-winning games as he invites members of the public to compete against celebrities in a series of challenges, whilst trying to stuff as much happiness into an hour as he possibly can.

Having already brought entertainment to the masses across social media with his hugely celebrated #QuarantineGames, Mo’s high-energy and brilliantly uplifting style makes him the perfect man to deliver joy to our screens when we need it most.   

Ian Katz, Director of Programmes at Channel 4 said, “After weeks of relentless grim news and being cooped up at home, Britain desperately needs a dose of fun and Mo and Matt, two of the breakout stars of lockdown, are just the people to administer it.”

Phil Harris, Head of Entertainment at Channel 4 added, “It’s great to be working with Mo again - albeit in slightly different circumstances to how we imagined. We hope he, along with Matt Lucas, bring some much needed light relief to our viewers. I’ve been really proud of how our team, and the sector, have responded in testing times. These commissions showcase great talent, quick-thinking and bags of humour at a time when we need it most.”

Reasons To Be Cheerful with Matt Lucas (6 x 30’) was commissioned by Phil Harris, Head of Entertainment and Tom Beck, Head of Live Events and Commissioning Editor for Entertainment at Channel 4. It is a Nit Television production, the joint venture between Harry Hill and CPL Productions, a Red Arrow Studios company, and the Executive Producers are Mobashir Dar, Harry Hill, Murray Boland and Danielle Lux.

Mo Gilligan’s All Star Happy Hour (4 x 60’) was commissioned by Phil Harris, Head of Entertainment and Tom Beck, Head of Live Events and Commissioning Editor for Entertainment at Channel 4. It is an Expectation and Momo G Ltd co-production and the Executive Producers are Ben Wicks, Mo Gilligan, David Geli and Pollyanna McGirr. The Series Producer is Rhe-an Archibald and the Director is Toby Baker.

For more information, please contact:

Kate Conway/Lesley Land

kconway@channel4.co.uk/lland@channel4.co.uk

 

ENDS