Comedy postponed over war threat

ITV has postponed the next series of The Sketch Show - because of the threat of war.

The programme had been scheduled for 10.30pm on Thursdays, immediately after News At Ten.

However, network bosses feared the news would be extended in the case of war, so put the comedy show on hold.

Steve Coogan, executive producer of the show, told actors' newspaper The Stage: "The first casualty of war is sketch shows."

ITV1 said there were "issues" surrounding the scheduling because of the impending conflict.

Australian comic Kitty Flanagan replaced impressionist Ronni Ancona for the new series, which is co-produced by Avalon Television.

The rest of the team is Lee Mack (pictured), Jim Tavare, Karen Taylor and Tim Vine.

Published: 19 Feb 2003