Sami Abu Wardeh wreaks havoc in brand new Channel 4 Digital comedy series, The Sheikh

1 February 2023

Character comedian Sami Abu Wardeh makes his Channel 4 debut as Sheikh Ahmed Al Kabir, the 867th richest person in the world, in a new, original ‘real world comedy’ from Trainspotting With Francis Bourgeois creators, Untold Studios.

Earmarked by The Guardian as one of the most exciting voices in comedy from 2022, Sami playfully brings to life the character of a prankster billionaire Sheikh, accompanied by his personal protection officer (and former male stripper), Jimmy.

Across the five-part series, the sheikh meets with unsuspecting members of the public, as well as influential, famous faces, as he sets his sights on spending his billions in “this poor and deprived island.” Each episode will see the sheikh immerse himself in different parts of British culture, including Football, Fashion, Death, Food and Love. Eager to dive into his Balenciaga wallet and see what extreme wealth can buy, the sheikh is ready to splash his cash at any opportunity.

Sheikh Ahmed Al Kabir said: "We love Channel 4 in my country! I am a big fan of their greatest shows like Coronation Street and ITV News at 10, but I am sorry to say that my recent attempt to purchase Channel 4 has failed, but I am very glad Channel 4 have offered me my own show in exchange for me not pursuing legal action for breach of contract."

Charlie Hyland, Digital Commissioning Editor, Comedy at Channel 4 said: “Channel 4 has a rich history of throwing shameless comedy characters into the real world to cause havoc and The Sheikh is the next in line. Not only is he likeable, but he unwittingly pokes into often unchartered worlds inhabited by the super-rich, satirising their excesses with hilarious confidence!”

Untold Studios Executive Producer Jonathan Levene said: “We’re delighted Channel 4 have the chutzpah to allow us to continue nurturing new talent. It’s been an exciting journey to work with Sami on his first production, creating a character that takes a well-timed poke into the absurd world of extreme wealth.”

The Sheikh was created and Exec Produced by Jonathan Levene and Jack Kennedy at Untold Studios, with Sami Abu Wardeh. The series was produced by Alex Gilman and commissioned by Charlie Hyland in Channel 4’s Digital Commissioning Team.

Watch episode one on Channel 4’s comedy YouTube here now https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mh8XotYlz64

Episode 2 will be live on Channel 4 Comedy YouTube from 5th February.