The UK’s Brexit General Election is coming under comedian Matt Forde’s unrelentingly mocking scrutiny after UKTV’s Dave channel commissioned a twice-weekly run of his ratings hit, Unspun.
Series one of the Avalon Television produced show, which sees Forde take an irreverent look at the week’s politics and interview a top name guest, debuted last year and drew a “strong” audience within the 16-34 and ABC1 adults demographics.
The equally successful series two ended its run earlier this year with a major in-depth interview with former Prime Minister Tony Blair, having already featured Lib Dem leader Tim Farron and Harriet Harman MP, former deputy leader of the Labour party.
Forde’s General Election coverage gets underway Wednesday 17th May with new episodes airing each Wednesday and Sunday.
Channel bosses have also commissioned a fourth series to air later in the year.
Forde said: “I’m delighted to be returning with Unspun during the election campaign.
“I for one welcome Theresa May’s drive to keep satirists and political comedians in work. It seems to be the only issue which unites her and Jeremy Corbyn.”
Hilary Rosen, deputy director of commissioning, said, “Dave is putting Unspun at the heart of its schedule and blazing a trail in the satirical space.
“Matt Forde is the best in the business – there’s no one else out there who is as funny and knowledgeable about the state of British politics.
“This will be required viewing in the run up to June 8th. Who better to help us make sense of the forthcoming election campaign?”
Steve North, Dave general manager, said, “We’re putting our weight behind Unspun because we feel there’s a real need for contemporary and topical programming that unpicks politics and helps our viewers to understand where we are now.
“We are significantly increasing our coverage of politics in the run-up to the election and it’s important that it’s as fresh and up-to-date as it can be given the pace at which politics is playing out, particularly on social media.”
Jon Thoday, Avalon managing director, said, “It is great for a British broadcaster to be backing a political comedy series in this way, and we are excited to be working with UKTV once again.”