The BBC’s Director of Comedy has outlined his future plans at the BBC Comedy Festival in Newcastle.
Jon Petrie also confirmed the feature-length return of Channel X North co-production, Detectorists.
Last night he told an audience that the corporation will invest an extra £10m in high-impact comedy programming over the next 2 years.
It would also double the number of half hour TV pilots, and join forces with BBC Sounds to co-commission up to 4 audio comedy pilots.
BBC Comedy Short Films will launch next month to consolidate its current short form strands to create a space for new and established talent to experiment and develop new work.
“The BBC is by far the biggest fish in the pond when it comes to comedy,” said Petrie.
“There is no other broadcaster that can provide as many services.”
After a 5 year absence, Detectorists will return for a one-off 75-minute special starring Mackenzie Crook and Toby Jones.
“It was 2017 when we were last in Danebury and I miss my old friends in the DMDC [Danebury Metal Detecting Club]. I’ve had a story percolating for a while and I thought it was worth getting Lance, Andy and the rest of the band back together for,” said Crook, who also directs.
“The affection expressed for Detectorists over the years has been incredible and I hope fans of the show will enjoy this new, extended episode.”
The show is a Treasure Trove Productions, Channel X North and Lola TV production. It’s produced by Gill Isles, who added:
“It’s absolutely thrilling to be spending the summer back in Danebury with Mackenzie and the team. There is so much love for the show that I can’t wait for everyone to see what Mackenzie has in store in this next chapter.”
Petrie also confirmed that Mawaan Rizwan’s comedy pilot Juice has been taken to series, while Jack Whitehall is bringing back Bad Education with a 10-year anniversary special followed by a new six-part series written by a team of breakthrough writers.
Jerk, The Cleaner and Guilt have all been re-commissioned.
