New C4 competition series based around designing contraptions

Bill Bailey is to front a new Channel 4 competition series celebrating amateur inventors, the broadcaster has announced.

Ingenious brings together hobbyist inventors from across the UK challenged to build contraptions designed to solve everyday problems

Contestants are described as ‘emerging from garden sheds, garages and spare rooms’ to put their ‘creativity, resourcefulness and mechanical know‑how to the test’ over four episodes.

Bailey, who is known for his enthusiasm for gadgetry, said, "I’m thrilled to be hosting Ingenious, a brand-new show that celebrates Britain’s shed-born brilliance, in a collision between practical problem-solving and creative innovation. 

‘Watching these inventors solve everyday frustrations with clever contraptions is exactly my kind of fun.’

Camilla Lewis, chief executive of programme-makers Curve Media, said: ‘Britain has always been a nation of inventors and it’s fantastic to be able to celebrate amazing homegrown ingenuity. And who could be better than Bill Bailey to be the ringmaster!’

Ingenious has not yet been given a transmission date.

Published: 27 May 2026