Is it coz I is back?

Ali G returns to Channel 4

Ali G is to return to Channel 4 later this year with a show filmed in the States.

Creator Sacha Baron Cohen targeted American stars for this series because British celebrities had got wise to him.

It also represents the next stage in his bid to tackle the US market, as the show will also be aired on American cable channel HBO from February.

The show will also feature 31-year-old Cohen's other creations, East European reporter Borat and camp fashion correspondent Bruno.

News of Ali G's return comes as the channel unveiled its planned schedule for the next 12 months for the benefit of regulators.

Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights spin-off, Paddy and Max, is also promised, featuring the club's two doormen travelling the country.

Channel 4 also says it will reinvent Saturday-night entertainment, with a show called Boys and Girls and Jimmy Carr's game show Your Face or Mine, currently shown on E4.

Director of Programmes Tim Gardam said: "We will build our strategy around our reputations: non-conformist, provocative and thought provoking, intelligent and outward looking, funny, surprising, fearless and risk taking."

Published: 29 Jan 2003

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