US TV revives brutal talent show

Stand-up Dave Attell is to host a new version of the talent show which is currently in production for Comedy Central.

The hunt has already begun for acts willing to face a rotating panel of three celebrity judges when the series starts on July 17.

Comedy Central executive Lauren Corrao said: 'We are very excited to welcome Dave Attell back to the network. Dave is the perfect guy to host this series. His dry, comedic wit paired with the outspoken personalities of our celebrity judges and the outrageous acts will create a fresh, new take on the famed series.’

Attell himself promised: 'Stars will be made, feelings will be hurt.'

The show originally ran on NBC from 1976 to 1978, and the format has recently been revived by the Comedy Store, and copied in clubs across the UK.

Applicants for the Comedy Central series are currently being taken on gongshowcasting@aol.com.

Meanwhile, the sixth series of reality stand-up show Last Comic Standing will start on NBC on May 22, and will be shown on Paramount Comedy 1 in the UK from May 24. The show will be co-hosted by Fearne Cotton and Bill Bellamy, with UK circuit comics Jim Tavare, Paul Foot and Papa CJ getting past the initial stages.

Published: 8 May 2008