Murray lands ITV1 series... but not as Pub Landlord

Al Murray is to ditch his Pub Landlord creation for a new ITV1 sketch show.

The broadcaster has commissioned a full series of Al Murray’s Multiple Personality Disorder following a successful pilot episode recorded last year.

Characters introduced in that show included a ‘silver-tongued gentleman thief’, a flamboyant Nazi and stag party maestro The Ledge.

The new series of seven half-hour shows is expected to air early in 2009, and marks Murray’s first departure from the Perrier-winning Pub Landlord since his creation in 1994.

But the Guv’nor is not being to put out to grass – as it was also announced today that ITV1 has ordered a third series of his chat show Al Murray\'s Happy Hour.

The last series was shown on Friday evenings at 10pm, following a move from Saturday nights, and extended from 10 episodes to 13.

Both shows will be made by Avalon Television, whose joint managing director Richard Allen-Turner said: ‘We are delighted with ITV’s continuing commitment to Al Murray.

‘It’s exciting to be given the opportunity to build on the breakthrough success of Happy Hour but also unveil Al’s vast range with Multiple Personality Disorder. There’s a lot more to him than just The Pub Landlord and ITV should be applauded for their encouragement and backing of one of our finest contemporary comedy talents.’

Paul Jackson, ITV’s director of entertainment and comedy added: ‘Al Murray is a very talented comedian. I am thrilled he is returning to host not just one but two shows for ITV.’\r\n

Published: 4 Jun 2008