New cast wheel into I'm Spazticus for a bit of 'armless fun

26 July 2013

Wheelchair? Check. Guide Dog? Check. Hidden camera? Check.

A host of new faces feature in the second series of Channel 4’s hidden prank show, I’m Spazticus.

First broadcast as part of last year’s Funny Fortnight, the second series welcomes Martin Dougan, Kelly Knox and Deepa Shastri to join some of the best disabled talent from series one, including Tim Baggaley, Tanyalee Davis, Tim Gebbels, Maxwell Laird, Andrew Martin and Simon Stevens.

Offering a fresh new take on the hidden camera prank show format, I’m Spazticus showcases an entire cast of disabled talent and sees individuals with varying disabilities pranking members of the public in a cheeky and irreverent way. The show mixes hidden camera and mockumentary style shooting to create a series of hilarious situations, featuring a host of returning characters and one-off stunts.

Martin Dougan is a Glaswegian TV presenter who was most recently seen on Channel 4 throughout the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Since being discovered through Channel 4’s talent search, he has since worked for BBC Sport, IMG Premier League News and BBC children’s programme Newsround. When he isn’t on TV, Martin plays wheelchair basketball and is a keen carpenter.

Martin says: “I remember the moment I first saw I’m Spazticus.  I was sitting in my flat, stressing because the Paralympic Games where almost upon us.  Suddenly, I’m wetting myself because an angry dwarf decides to strut around and destroy everyone’s sandwiches. I said to myself, “This is comedy gold”. Everyone involved wants to make this series Bigger, Better and funnier and I’m really excited to be part of it.”

Model Kelly Knox was born without a left forearm and started her modelling career when she won BBC Three’s Britain’s Missing Top Model competition five years ago. Since then, she has travelled the world modelling and has been photographed by renowned photographer Rankin. She is a spokesperson for diversity in fashion and an ambassador for Reach Charity - an association for children with upper limb deficiency.

Kelly says: “I'm delighted to be in the cast for the new series of I'm Spazticus - I've loved every single second of filming, the crew and cast are amazing! People don't necessarily put disability, beauty and having a sense of humour together so I'm here to smash those stereotypes to pieces!”

Deepa Shastri is a deaf actress who has a variety of acting experience under her belt - including starring in award-winning short-film Hear no Evil. She was involved in the opening of the Paralympic Games and is also passionate about making the arts more accessible to those with disabilities.

Deepa says: “After watching the first series, I was really curious to see how people would respond to a deaf character. I’m thrilled to be part of the show. For once, I have permission to play pranks on the general public and see their reaction first hand!”

Commissioned for C4 by Comedy Commissioning Editor, Rachel Springett and created by Zeitgeist Television, the second series will air on Channel 4 later this year. It is directed by Gemma Rawcliffe, Series Producer is Dan Whitehead and Executive Producer is Jamie O'Leary.