The Office, Porridge and Fawlty Towers

Joe Wilkinson and David Earl are to present a new series visiting the filming locations of  classic British sitcoms, it was announced today.

The three 60-minute episodes of Joe & David's Magical Sitcom Tour will each focus on a different show: The Office, Porridge and Fawlty Towers.

Broadcaster U&Gold says the format combines elements of travelogue, ‘buddy comedy’ and retrospective as the pair visit locations and meet cast and crew.

In the episode devoted to The Office, Wilkinson and Earl will meet Ricky Gervais – with whom they co-star in After Life –  who  will perform the David Brent song Freelove Freeway for the comedians.

Wilkinson said ‘I’ve been obsessed with sitcoms since I was a lad, so hunting about for locations and other bits and bobs related to some of my favourite shows is like a dream come true…and that’s why I refused to take a fee for this job.’

Earl, who co-hosts the Chatabix podcast with Wilkinson added: ‘I’m very grateful to UKTV for giving us the chance to make this series, something me and Joe have been talking about for ages.

'It honestly feels like I’ve won a competition where the prize is stepping through the TV screen into my favourite sitcom worlds. This 51-year-old man is very happy indeed.’

The format involves the comedians taking turns planning surprise days out for each other, with each episode based around one of the three sitcoms. 

Commissioner Mark Iddon said the presenters' enthusiasm for the subject matter would resonate with viewers. ‘They don't just admire these sitcoms, they love them with the same passion our viewers do,’ he said. ‘It's like watching two fans take us all along on their own personal love letter to comedy classics.’

Executive producer Peter Holmes added: ‘This show is the very definition of that overused TV term "passion project". Joe and David love sitcoms and their affection for the form and for each other make them the perfect pair to take us on a tour of these comedy classics.’

The new series will air on U&Gold in 2026. An exact transmission date has not yet been announced.

It is being made by Zeppotron with Big Oval Plate, Wilkinson and Earl’s production company.

Published: 14 Oct 2025