Channel 4 orders a second series for 2024

Channel 4 has ordered a second series of Joe Lycett’s Late Night Lycett to air next year.

The first series, broadcast live from the banks of Birmingham’s canals, featured  guests including Dame Joan Collins, Dame Joanna Lumley, Richard E Grant, Rob Delaney, Jonathan Ross, Judi Love, Alan Carr, Rosie Jones, and more.

Lycett said: ‘The first series of Late Night Lycett was the most fun I've ever had making TV. From Paul Chuckle destroying my local corner shop to Katherine Ryan being trapped on a floating barge, the whole thing feels like a crazed fever dream. I can't wait to go bigger and wilder in series two.’

Six new hour-long episodes will be produced by Rumpus Media and Lycett’s production company My Options Were Limited.

Phil Harris, head of entertainment commissioning at Channel 4, said: "The first series of Late Night Lycett was a blast of classic Channel 4 anarchy while also breaking new ground in live comedy entertainment. We are so proud of this show, and we can’t wait to create more Friday night chaos.’

Fellow Channel 4 executive Tom Beck added: ‘Joe is a phenomenal talent and a brilliant, bonkers human being - and Late Night Lycett is the perfect reflection of his personality.  The first series overflowed with creative joy, balanced with real heart; it was also really bloody funny. I can’t wait to bring it back.’

The series launched in April with 1million live viewers, the best non-news audience in its 10pm slot, comfortably ahead of the 880,000 viewers Channel 4 averages at that time.

Today’s commission, announced at the Edinburgh Television Festival, follows the previously announced news of a Late Night Lycett Christmas Special later this year..

Steve Handley, commissioning editor for entertainment at Channel 4 said: ‘I’m utterly thrilled we are returning to Digbeth and can’t wait to see the unpredictable mayhem Joe has planned to top the first series.

‘Will Richard Yewtree return, or will it "finally have been proved"? Will Hardev finally remember which celeb is running his shop? Will Linda Biscuits behave? What will Joe do to top giving away his actual car? Anything can happen and I can’t wait to find out.’

Emily Hudd, joint managing director of Rumpus Media, said: "We are thrilled that Late Night Lycett will be going live again. To collaborate with Joe is always a dream and we’re hoping to work with more local talent new to the industry again through our trainee scheme.’

Published: 24 Aug 2023