6.5 Children 'fiinds funny in raising children with disabilities’

Radio 4 has ordered a new four-part series from comedian Ashley Blaker.

Entitled 6.5 Children, the new series of four half-hour episodes is a mix of stand-up and observational documentary about around his unusual family.

Blaker and his wife Gemma are parents to six children, three of whom have special needs – two autistic boys and an adopted girl with Down’s syndrome.

According to producers Giddy Goat, ‘6.5 Children sensitively finds the funny in raising children with disabilities’ - including an  episode set in  lockdown when the Blakers had to home-school all the children at once.

Blaker – one of the very few Orthodox Jewish comedians on the circuit –  previously made a two-part  Goyish Guide To Judaism for Radio 4.

He said: ‘I am looking forward to being able to share with the nation just how crazy our home life is. If nothing else, it should be a cathartic experience.’

Producer Steve Doherty added:  ‘It’s a privilege to be allowed inside the home of such a special family. I am looking forward to meeting Gemma and Ashley’s children. This will be a comedy with real heart.’

6.5 Children will air at 11.30am in the summer of 2021.

Published: 4 Aug 2020