Channel 4 has ordered I Hate You, a new sitcom from Friday Night Dinner creator Robert Popper and Big Talk.
The broadcaster has also ordered The Real Dirty Dancing (W/T), produced by Thames for E4.
I Hate You is a comedy about two best friends in their 20s – Charlie played by Tanya Reynolds, Sex Education) and Becca played by newcomer, Melissa Saint and their “intense, messy friendship in today’s intense, complicated world.”
“Charlie’s a bit of a worrier, who thinks 99% of humans are d*ckheads, and Becca – no embarrassment gene, usually makes the wrong decision. Together they share a flat that is half spotless (Becca’s room) and half ‘sh*ttery’ (Charlie’s room). Together they’re complete chaos…”
Show Creator Robert Popper said: “Having spent ten years writing a show about a super intense family, I really wanted my next one to be about super intense friends. And, since I’ve never had a friend in my life, I’m hoping this will teach me how to find one.”
Kenton Allen, Big Talk CEO said: “The opportunity to make a new show with Robert after our delightful collaboration on Friday Night Dinner makes me very happy – and the combination of Robert and Damon Beesley, two of the most brilliant comedy minds in the UK, promises to deliver something very very special.”
Fiona McDermott, Head of Comedy at Channel 4, said: “After working with Robert and the team at Big Talk on one of Channel 4’s biggest comedy successes – the beloved Friday Night Dinner it’s a genuine delight to get under way on I Hate You. With a superb comedy duo at the helm in Tanya and Melissa and Damon Beesley in the directors’ chair. It’s safe to say Channel 4 viewers are truly in for a treat”.
The new series was commissioned by Channel 4 Head of Comedy, Fiona McDermott and Commissioning Executive Laura Riseam. Robert Popper will write and produce the series, with Damon Beesley (Co-creator Inbetweeners) directing, Lynn Roberts co-producing, and executive produced by Kenton Allen, Chief Executive of Big Talk, Caroline Leddy and Matthew Justice.
I Hate You is produced by Big Talk and Popper Pictures. Big Talk is part of ITV Studios.
The Real Dirty Dancing (W/T), produced by Thames (a Fremantle label) is coming to E4 in 2022.
Co-hosted by Dirty Dancing superfan Keith Lemon and Heart FM showbiz host and Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts, across eight episodes, The Real Dirty Dancing (W/T), will follow 10 famous faces as they move into a stunning Lakeside location reminiscent of the original Kellermans resort, where their dance moves will be well and truly put to the test. In couples, they’ll compete as they take on challenges and dance routines based on iconic scenes from the classic film. Each couple has one thing in common – they all want to be the last Baby and Johnny standing.
Keith Lemon said: “Dirty Dancing is such a good film and of course I’ve been Baby myself! Twice now! Once for Let’s Dance for Comic Relief and once when we did it on The Keith & Paddy Picture Show. So yeah I was chuffed to be asked to host this show! And to be hosting with me mate Ashley! It’s gonna be so fun! Ya can tell how excited I am, look how many exclamation marks I’ve used! Can’t wait!”
Ashley Roberts said: “I LOVE Dirty Dancing, the film literally had a huge impact on my life, and I couldn’t be more excited to be involved in this series. I’m going to be on hand to help out the celebs with their Johnny and Baby moves and look forward to being reunited with Keith. Wish me luck! It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Genna Gibson Commissioning Editor for Entertainment at Channel 4 said: “Dirty Dancing has been bringing people together to sing and dance (and swoon over Johnny Castle) since the 80s. We hope, like the film, that this colourful and entertaining show will get people together to watch and root for their favourite couples. I’m so excited to be bringing this format to the UK, as it’s exactly the type of large scale, glossy reality event that we’ve been looking for and that our audiences love, whether that’s watching together on E4 or bingeing on All 4. I cannot wait to see how our celebrities will cope recreating some of the most iconic scenes in movie history!”
Amelia Brown, Managing Director, Thames said: “I am a huge Dirty Dancing fan so to have the opportunity to bring this show to life is a dream come true. Devotees of the film may think they could pull off Baby and Johnny’s moves, but now’s the time to put that to the test with our celebrities. Let’s see if they can bring that silver screen magic back to the dancefloor, I can’t wait to get started.”
The Real Dirty Dancing (W/T) is produced by Thames and will be executive produced by Amelia Brown and Tom Richardson. It was commissioned for E4 by Entertainment Commissioning Editor, Genna Gibson, Head of Entertainment, Phil Harris and Head of Youth and Digital, Karl Warner.
Jon Creamer
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