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Little Britain stars Matt Lucas and David Walliams are to make a US version of the series. The US comedy series will feature new and existing Little Britain characters, and the executive producer is Simon Fuller, the man behind the Pop Idol. The six-part series will begin shooting in the US this autumn for broadcast next year on pay-TV network HBO. Walliams said: "We're very keen to take Little Britain to as wide an audience as possible." He described the new series as a sketch show set in contemporary America. "We are taking some existing characters and writing new material for them, as well as introducing new characters and ideas," Walliams said. His comedy partner Lucas said they had "huge respect" for US comedy and that working with HBO would be "a great experience for both of us". 'Exciting voices' Little Britain began as a radio programme six years ago and went on to become a stage show as the characters gained mainstream recognition on BBC television. The TV series won eight Royal Television Society awards, three Baftas and an International Emmy. HBO broadcast transatlantic hits The Sopranos, Sex and the City and Six Feet Under, plus UK series Extras and Da Ali G Show. HBO Entertainment's senior vice president Nancy Geller described Lucas and Walliams as "two of the most exciting new comedy voices to emerge in recent years". Story from BBC NEWS: |
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| Schwimmer 'directs Vicky Pollard' Friends star David Schwimmer is directing sketches for the Little Britain USA series in Los Angeles, reports trade magazine Variety. The 41-year-old has directed sketches for the comedy show in front of a live studio audience, with guest stars including Rosie O'Donnell and Sting. Schwimmer has previously directed episodes of Friends and the 2007 film Run Fatboy Run, starring Simon Pegg. The series, which will be shown on HBO, begins in the autumn. The US version features new and existing Little Britain characters created by Matt Lucas and David Walliams in a contemporary US setting. Filming had been due to begin last year, but was delayed due to the Hollywood writers' strike. Story from BBC NEWS: |