O'Briain to host new topical quiz

Dara O’Briain is to front a new BBC2 satirical panel show this summer.

Rory Bremner will be a regular team captain on the topical Mock The Week, with Jo Brand and Jeremy Hardy also scheduled to appear.

Other regular contributors will include Radio 4 regular Linda Smith, ubiquitous topical comic Marcus Brigstocke, and Scottish stand-up Frankie Boyle.

The show will be a mix of a Have I Got News For You-style quiz, but with performance elements such as stand-up routines or improvised scenarios, such as what Saddam Hussein's dating video might look like.

BBC2 has ordered an initial six-week run of the show from early June.

It will be made by Angst Productions, the independent producer set up by the Whose Line Is It Anyway? co-creators, Dan Patterson and Mark Leveson.

Patterson told MediaGuardian: "Mock the Week is an entirely new breed of comedy show - part panel show, part stand up and part performance. New comedians will be joining established performers in taking a satirical swipe at the news and world events."

O'Briain has previously acted as guest host on Have I Got News For You, and made no secret of his desire to host the show permanently.

Visit our free tickets page for details of how to attend the recordings.

Published: 26 Apr 2005