First names revealed

The first hosts have been announced for the BBC's new stand-up series BBC Presents: Stand Up For Live Comedy.

The first half-hour episode will be filmed in London tonight, hosted by Jamali Maddix.

He has just presented a series of stand-up shorts for Comedy Central, too, but the new programme is the first such show to feature a live audience in the room. 

Five further BBC shows will be recorded throughout September across the UK. In Scotland the show will be hosted by Fern Brady; in Belfast by Paddy Raff; and in Bristol by Jayde Adams. Details of the last two recordings have yet to be announced.

The show is being made for BBC Three’s iPlayer channel, but episodes will also air BBC One.

 Shane Allen, controller of BBC Comedy, said: ’It’s been the roughest time for live comedy on record and finally we can be the first broadcaster to bring audiences and comedians together in the same place again as nothing beats the magic of shared laughter. 

‘The UK comedy circuit is the best in the world and it’s vital that we continue to support emerging comedy talent and help launch those stars of tomorrow. Our national shared sense of humour is a crucial way to deal with adversity and remind everyone there is solidarity and much needed cheer coming to your screens soon.’

 BBC Three controller Fiona Campbell added: ‘BBC Three has been involved in the careers of so many comedians that cut their teeth on the live circuit. It’s the lifeblood of the industry and we’re really pleased that we can play our part bringing live comedy and laughter back to the audience.’

Producers at Phil McIntyre Television and BBC Studios  say they are following the latest government guidelines on Covid-19 to ensure that the series is made safely and responsibility

Made by:  Phil McIntyre Television and BBC Studios
Executive producers: Lucy Ansbro for Phil McIntyre Television and Jonathan Blyth for BBC Studios
Commissioned by: Shane Allen, Controller of BBC Comedy, and Fiona Campbell, Controller of BBC Three
BBC commissioning editor: Kate Daughton

Published: 1 Sep 2020