Channel 4 Orders Titles Fronted By Matt Lucas & Mo Gilligan

Channel 4 has greenlit two new fast-turnaround entertainment series, one featuring Matt Lucas and the other Mo Gilligan.

Lucas is to front a new Harry Hill-penned comedy-entertainment series for Channel 4 from Nit TV. Reasons To Be Cheerful with Matt Lucas will celebrate the ability of men, women, children, celebrities and even pets to entertain themselves during self-enforced downtime. The six-part series will premiere on Sunday, April 26.

Stand-up comedian Mo Gilligan (The Lateish Show) is fronting a live four-part show in which the very concept of staying in can win viewers a prize. Mo Gilligan’s All Star Happy Hour will be a mix of sketches, viral formats, musical performances and prize-winning games, as Gilligan invites members of the public to compete against celebrities in a series of challenges.

Ian Katz, director of programs at Channel 4, said: “After weeks of relentless grim news and being cooped up at home, Britain desperately needs a dose of fun and Mo and Matt, two of the breakout stars of lockdown, are just the people to administer it.”

Phil Harris, head of entertainment at Channel 4, added: “It’s great to be working with Mo again—albeit in slightly different circumstances to how we imagined. We hope he, along with Matt Lucas, bring some much-needed light relief to our viewers. I’ve been really proud of how our team, and the sector, have responded in testing times. These commissions showcase great talent, quick-thinking and bags of humor at a time when we need it most.”