Gold commissions a second series of The Interviews

Peter Sellers

3 February 2016

UKTV, the multi-award-winning media company, has commissioned a second series of The Interviews (6 x 60') for flagship comedy channel Gold, continuing its investment in original content.

Each episode of this brand new series follows the career and personal story of legendary celebrities from the world of comedy and showbiz, using their most memorable moments from British TV chat shows and beyond.

Voiced by actress and comedian Tamsin Greig (Episodes, Inside No. 9), this latest series features; Peter Sellers, a tortured genius who claimed to have no real personality, Frankie Howerd, the master of saucy innuendo, Barry Humphries and his larger-than-life alter ego Dame Edna Everage, Bruce Forsyth, the undisputed king of Saturday night television, Kenny Everett the subversive comedy legend and Julie Walters, whose cheeky sense of humour has made her into a national treasure.

The Interviews combines some remarkably frank interviews with hilarious and revealing archive material, offering a rare and fascinating insight into the personal lives of these iconic people.

Senior commissioning editor, Iain Coyle said,

As a gentleman of a certain age, these documentaries are a unique opportunity to get some perspective, and celebrate, some of the amazing comedic talent that I grew up with. Not only are they fascinating and funny but often very moving too, a real credit to the production team.

Steve North, general manager for Gold said,

We are incredibly excited to be bringing back The Interviews for a second series. We were delighted in the first series ability to explore the lives of some of our most loved entertainers in such an original manner. Series two promises more of the same and with an incredible line up of Peter Sellers, Barry Humphries, Frankie Howerd, Julie Walters, Bruce Forsyth and Kenny Everett there should be plenty more surprises in store.

North One executive producer, John Quinn commented,

The first series was exceptionally well received by both critics and viewers. We're confident that the line-up for the second series won't disappoint the many fans this series garnered. The first person perspective makes for some genuinely fascinating insights. From Peter Sellers' insistence that he was dull - whilst, ironically, baring the darkest secrets of his soul - to Barry Humphries explaining the bizarre dynamic between himself and his most famous creation, Dame Edna Everage.

The Interviews has been ordered by UKTV's director of commissioning, Richard Watsham, and Gold general manager, Steve North. John Quinn is executive producer for North One, overseen by UKTV's senior commissioning editor, Iain Coyle.

Launching on Gold in March The Interviews follows recent commissions Comic Strip Presents...Red Top and Catherine Tate's Do Not Disturb. Gold continues to expand its original programming after successes with Marley's Ghosts and Bull, Simon Callow also joins the channel in The Rebel later this year.

END

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About Gold

Sky 110, Virgin 126, BT and TalkTalk 408. On demand on Sky, Virgin and Now TV

Dedicated to celebrating the best of British comedy, Gold is the nation's favourite comedy channel. Much-loved comedy series such as Only Fools and Horses, The Vicar of Dibley and Outnumbered sit alongside successful commissions including Porridge: Inside Out, You, Me & Them, and the live broadcast of the final ever performance of the Monty Python Live (mostly): One Down Five to Go stage show which became the highest rating programme in Gold's history earlier this year.

The perfect tonic to make you laugh whatever the time of day, Gold shows universally funny content that everyone can enjoy.

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About UKTV

UKTV is the multi-award winning media company that reaches 42 million viewers a month.

UKTV's eleven imaginative brands - UKTV Play, Dave, Watch, Gold, Alibi, Yesterday, Drama, Really, Home, Eden and Good Food - include the most popular non-PSB channel in the UK and account for 9% of the British commercial TV market. The company's most recent financial results showed record-breaking year-end revenue of £283m and EBITDA of £74.1m. It invested £123m in programming and related launches last year, and is becoming an increasingly significant investor in UK creativity.

UKTV has a truly innovative model, curating brand-defining commissions, high-profile acquisitions and the very best of BBC, alongside programmes originally shown on ITV and Channel 4. The network embraces technology to deliver inspired channels to audiences through Freeview, Sky, Virgin Media, BT, TalkTalk, YouView and UKTV Play, and distributes its highly valued original programmes to 200 territories.

Now celebrating its 22nd year at the forefront of digital television, UKTV - an independent commercial joint venture between BBC Worldwide and Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (SNI) - is proud to be the only British television broadcaster to be recognised by Best Companies.

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