Channel 4 Commissions Seven New Blaps

Channel 4 has commissioned a collection of seven new Blaps, featuring talent such as Kiell Smith-Bynoe, Jamie Demetriou and Rosie Jones.

Channel 4’s Blaps have historically been a breeding ground for series commissions, including We Are Lady Parts, recently commissioned for a second season on Channel 4; Stath Lets Flats, Home; and Dead Pixels (E4).

Among the new commissions is Billi, which tells the story of what a 25-year-old brat will go through in order to get a half-head of highlights. It is the first piece written and performed by Harry Trevaldwyn for television.

Biscuitland shows the everyday life of a woman named Jess, who has Tourette’s syndrome. It is written by Christine Robertson (Buffering, Trollied) with Jess Thom (who also stars) and Matthew Pountney. Nicole Charles (Emilia, Kisses and Bumflicks) is director.

Also revolving around disability, Disability Benefits sees a young woman with cerebral palsy, whose state benefits have been cut to shreds, build an illegal drugs empire. Starring Rosie Jones as Rosie, the short is written by Jones and Peter Fellows and directed by Sophie King.

Late Night Forever! with Jordan Brookes centers on a man in a coma who finds himself hosting a psychedelic talk show live from his own subconscious. Every time he makes it to the credits, another episode begins. It is written by Brookes and directed by duo Rosco 5 (Gideon Beresford and Behnam Taheri).

In the sketch show Red Flag, from Kiell Smith-Bynoe, viewers meet various heroes who walk straight into chaos. It is written by Smith-Bynoe, Kayode Ewumi, Jamie Demetriou, Sam Campbell, Adam Hess and Stevie Martin. Big Red Button directs.

Written by Emma Lennox, Unfair is a culture-clash comedy that tells the story of a clueless student who leaves her leafy home for a life on a showman’s yard with her boyfriend. It is directed by Meg Campbell.

The coming-of-age comedy William of Orangedale follows teenager William and his friends as they grow up on a council estate in East Belfast. The teenage years are complicated, but William must juggle all of the usual struggles while living with cerebral palsy. It is inspired by the life of comedian William Thompson, who co-writes the script with fellow comedian Dave Elliott. It is directed by Eoin Cleland.

The collection of Blaps is set to be released on All 4 on May 6, excluding Biscuitland, which will debut later this year.

Laura Riseam and Joe Hullait, co-commissioning executives for Channel 4, said: “After a world pandemic-enforced hiatus, we are so delighted for Blaps to be back bigger, bolder and better than ever before. With seven brand-new shorts, this bumper crop is showcasing exciting new talent on- and off-screen and delivering stories from previously unheard voices. We were overwhelmed by the reception to our brief and can’t wait for everyone to get their peepers on this round of Blaps.”