BBC Two is promising viewers a light-hearted take on May’s General Election with two new shows from Jack Dee and Charlie Brooker.
Airing from mid April Jack Dee’s Election Helpdesk, based on his live show, sees the comedian help a live studio audience dispel their election problems and aims to shed light on their dilemmas and issues relating to the General Election.
Each episode will see Dee accompanied by a panel of four special comedic guests. Nothing is prepared or written in advance and the panel won’t know what the audiences’ questions will be until the show begins.
Jack Dee says: “As a live show, Helpdesk has proved to be an original format for comedy and a real hit around the country so we are all incredibly excited to be able to bring it to BBC Two.”
Charlie Brooker will also be on hand to explore the absurdity of modern politics in a 60-minute special Election Wipe/
Joining him will be comedian Morgana Robinson, Weekly Wipe’s Philomena Cunk and Barry Shitpeas who will impart their unique perspective on campaign.
Brooker says: “At a time of great political uncertainty it’ll be an honour to bring some much-needed confusion to the national debate.
“Since our show transmits in the run up to the election, it will have to adhere to strict impartiality rules – which means it will, by law, be equally disparaging to all parts of the political spectrum.”
As previously announced, Rory Bremner will also return to the channel with a post-election special focusing on life after the vote.
Kim Shillinglaw, Controller, BBC Two, says: “With shows from Jack Dee and Charlie Brooker, as well as Rory Bremner’s Election Report, BBC Two is the place to come for the smartest, funniest, sharpest take on the General Election.
“They are just the kind of strong, lively voices I want as part of our ambitious range of new comedy this year.”