Apollo series takes Ross's slot
Boost for stand-up show
Jonathan Ross's BBC One chat show is to be replaced by a new series of stand-up show Live at the Apollo.The move means a higher-profile Friday-night slot for the programme, which previously aired on a Monday.
The series will cover Ross’s suspension until January over the obscene calls he and Russell Brand made to Andrew Sachs on Radio 2.
Live At The Apollo is to be recorded at London's Hammersmith Apollo over three nights next week. The first episode, hosted by Michael McIntrye (pictured), will be aired a week later.
The first guest comic will be Frankie Boyle, himself no stranger to controversy. The tabloids kicked up a fuss about a joke about the Queen that Boyle cracked on an episode of BBC Two’s Mock The Week that was repeated at the height of the Andrew Sachs furore.
The full line-up of comics taking part has not yet been announced, but Jason Manford is also recording a session on Wednesday night, when Boyle's set is being taped.
Live At The Apollo is made by Open Mike, the production company run by Jonathan Ross’s agent Addison Cresswell.
Published: 11 Nov 2008
