Scandinavian comic blocks TV stunt

A comic set up by a hidden camera TV show has refused permission for the stunt to be aired.

Swedish comic Henrik Elmer was duped by the forthcoming Channel 4 show Experimental into performing to an audience primed not to react to his routine.

The invited crowd were told to greet two acts with gales of laughter, but remain stony-faced while Elmer was on stage.

Now, the Scandinavian has blocked its broadcast.

He said: "I gave them permission to use the scene for the pilot, on condition that they included what happened after I was told that I had been framed.

"Then I took the mike back and did two more minutes, and they all laughed and cheered.

"The producers promised me to include this but when I watched the pilot they had edited it out.

"They say the scene doesn't make me look bad at all, because they have shown it to a test audience who all felt sympathy for me. So I'm thinking about sending a copy to a dating agency."

Fellow comic Patrick Monahan, who was also set up at the same gig, is also understood to be unhappy with his portrayal.

Channel 4 is set to show the series, made by Banzai producers Radar, later this spring.

Published: 17 Mar 2003