Seven years after the pilot...

Even by the slow-moving standards of TV commissioning, it’s a long wait – but a Channel 4 Comedy Lab pilot has been picked up for a series seven years after it aired.

The broadcaster is making a five-part series of the hidden camera show I’m Spazticus, which features disabled performers playing pranks on able-bodied members of the public.

Among those taking part is Canadian comic TanyaLee Davis, who has a form of dwarfism.

The pilot won an award for its use of disabled people, and Channel 4 are tying the series in with its broadcast of the London Paralympics this summer.

Commissioner Nerys Evan said: ‘We're very excited to be doing a show that first and foremost will be very funny and also showcases some of the very best disabled talent both on screen and behind the camera."

While producer Jamie O'Leary added: ‘I'm Spazticus uses the world of comedy to explore the world of disability; employing disabled writers and a cast of disabled on-screen talent to play pranks on an unsuspecting general public.

‘While this far from revenge TV we hope it's both barrier and ground breaking, it will never be worthy and box-ticking but hopefully funny and very funny'.

Here’s some footage from the Comedy Lab pilot:

Published: 10 Feb 2012