The career of comedy legend Bob Monkhouse is to be celebrated in a new three-part series commissioned by GOLD.
Presenter Paul O’ Grady will use unseen footage, contributions from famous faces past and present, and unprecedented access to Monkhouse’s collection of joke books to chart his 50 years in showbiz.
Channel bosses say the three-part series, entitled Bob Monkhouse: The Million Joke Man, will air next year.
Steve North, General Manager of Gold, said: “Bob Monkhouse is a true great of British comedy. He was often seen as just a presenter and host but really he was a great stand up first and foremost.
“Bob was a prolific writer, so it is incredibly exciting to have gained access to the enormous volume of work that he produced and it is a privilege for Gold to have the opportunity of crafting a show around these tomes.”
Commissioning Editor, Simon Lupton, added: “I’ve always been fascinated by how Bob seemed to have a joke for every occasion, and when I saw the books I realised that it was the result of the hard work of a genius.
“These books are an extraordinary legacy and a compelling insight into one of the finest comedians this country has ever produced.
“We are very privileged that Bob’s family and the person Bob entrusted the books to, Colin Edmonds, have for the first time granted such access to the books and his extensive archive. The GOLD audience is in for a rare, enthralling and hilarious treat.”
