Wednesday 5 May 2021
UKTV today announces Tom Allen will front Dave's new format The Island (8x60'). Across the entire series, four comics will compete to make their own personal dream desert island the best one. Each week, Allen will put these four islands, and their leaders to the test - who's got the best house band? How do you even judge that? And you may think you want your island's only drink to be Fanta Limon, but what happens when it attracts that swarm of angry bees you chose last week? Well, Kemah Bob and Jason Forbes will be on hand as they bring 'live' reports from the islands, to make sure nothing is missed. The Island is devised and executive produced by James Acaster, Ed Gamble, Lloyd Langford and John Robins, and produced by Super Best Quality Video Productions.
Tom Allen said,
At a time when so many of us have fantasised about living on an island far away from the people around us, I couldn't be more excited to be hosting this fun, original show whilst putting comics through their paces to demonstrate that utopia is a very difficult thing to achieve. I'm also delighted to be working alongside the hilarious comic talents of Kemah Bob and Jason Forbes who I've wanted to work with for years - it's going to be a lot of fun!
The Island is commissioned for UKTV by Iain Coyle, head of comedy entertainment. Richard Watsham is director of commissioning and Steve North is genre general manager, comedy and entertainment.
Iain Coyle said,
It's a unique concept, driven by some of the sharpest comedic minds in the country. I'm absolutely delighted that we've managed to secure this show for Dave.
Steve North said,
We're thrilled that Tom, Kemah and Jason will be joining the channel for this fantastic new show. The Island is sure to be a brilliant addition to the channel's biggest ever slate of brand-new programming that we're announcing today.
Joe McVey, Super Best Quality Video Productions, said,
I think Robinson Crusoe gave getting stranded on a desert island a pretty bad rep. It turns out he was just a massive drama queen and actually loads of really funny stuff happens.
The Island joins a swathe of brand new original comedy entertainment programming announced today that is coming to Dave this year. Richard Ayoade's Question Team, Tom Allen's The Island, and British As Folk, with Fern Brady, Darren Harriott and Ivo Graham will all air later in the year, as well as a third series of Meet The Richardsons, a second and third series of Comedians Giving Lectures, hosted by Sara Pascoe, and a new run of Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled. Next month, BAFTA-nominated Big Zuu's Big Eats and scripted sitcom Sliced will return for their second series.
The Island will air later this year on Dave.
For more information please contact
Gem Pinkney, Head of Consumer Communications
About UKTV
UKTV has been at the forefront of branded television for over 25 years, entertaining the nation with programmes they love. Its leading brands - Dave, Gold, W, Drama, Alibi, Eden and Yesterday - span comedy, entertainment, natural history, factual and drama, and are delivered to audiences through UKTV Play, Freeview, Sky, Virgin Media, BT, TalkTalk, YouView, Freesat and Amazon Fire. The broadcaster is a significant investor in British creativity and is committed to working with new and established writers, directors and programme-makers.
UKTV is part of BBC Studios, the UK's most-awarded production company, a world-class distributor with international branded services, and a commercial subsidiary of the world's leading public service broadcaster, the BBC.