Merton set for ITV improv show

Australian format coming here

Paul Merton is set to star in a new ITV1 improv show called Thank God You're Here.

The comic is working on a pilot of the show, based on an Australian original, alongside Steve Punt.

In the show, four guest comedians walk through a door into an unknown scenario, where they are greeted by the phrase, ‘Thank God you're here’ and have to ad lib their way through the scene.

Merton came to prominence on Channel 4 improv show Whose Line is It Anyway?, and is still a regular member of the Comedy Store Players, performing most Sundays at the London venues.

The pilot is being made by independent producer Talkback Thames, and follows a US remake for NBC, which was taken off air after just a few episodes.

It is not yet known whether Merton would host the show or be a regular improv performer.

Here is Irish comic Jimeoin on the Australian Channel 10 original:

Published: 27 Jul 2007

Live comedy picks

We see you are using AdBlocker software. Chortle relies on advertisers to fund this website so it’s free for you, so we would ask that you disable it for this site. Our ads are non-intrusive and relevant. Help keep Chortle viable.