John Bishop’s Only Joking joins Sky 1 HD’s comedy Fridays from January
John Bishop’s Only Joking joins Sky 1 HD’s comedy Fridays from January
6th December 2012: As part of Sky’s investment in original content, Sky 1 HD is delighted to confirm JOHN BISHOP’S ONLY JOKING will launch in January (week 2). Bringing customers a much needed opportunity to have a good laugh in the post-festive season, JOHN BISHOP’S ONLY JOKING deals unashamedly in jokes and nothing but jokes. The ten part series is produced by Lola Entertainment and Channel X exclusively for Sky 1 HD.
In a thirty minute barrage of laughter, helping to beat those inevitable January blues, John Bishop is joined in the studio by a host of comedians past, present and new including Jason Manford, Andi Osho, Tom O’Connor, Katherine Ryan, Jason Byrne, Stewart Francis, Jimmy Cricket, Rob Rouse and Jason Cook amongst others.
Meanwhile, the cameras have travelled the length and breadth of the country to hear members of the public and celebrities alike tell us their funniest jokes. Throughout the series, we’ll hear from Robbie Williams, Freddie Flintoff and Jamie Redknapp, Warwick Davis, Robbie Savage, Davina McCall and many more alike.
John Bishop says, “Everyone likes to share a joke and we wanted to make a show that families could enjoy watching together. I’m really proud of what we’ve created. And let’s face it, we all need something to laugh at in January!”
Phil Edgar Jones, Head of Entertainment for Sky, says, “If there’s one person who’s guaranteed to put a smile on our faces, it’s John Bishop. The show is fantastic, traditional family entertainment with something for everyone. Lola Entertainment and Channel X have delivered a cracker.”
This latest commission is part of Sky's commitment to increase its investment in original British content by 50% over the next three years. By 2014, Sky expects to invest £600 million a year in British programmes across its portfolio of channels. This commitment follows the success of home-grown comedies such as TROLLIED, SPY and STELLA, entertainment hits GOT TO DANCE and A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN, dramas such as STRIKE BACK and MAD DOGS, and factual shows including ROSS KEMP EXTREME WORLD, AN IDIOT ABROAD and the BAFTA-winning documentary FLYING MONSTERS 3D.
JOHN BISHOP’S ONLY JOKING will start in January, available on Sky 1 HD and Sky 1 +1, on the move with Sky Go and On Demand.
Notes to editor
Further information:
Sarah Aspinall
Senior Publicist, Sky 1 HD
Sarah.aspinall@bskyb.com / 020 7032 1488
Follow us on Twitter @sky1insider
About Sky
Sky is the UK and Ireland’s leading home entertainment and communications company. Around 40% of all homes have a direct relationship with Sky through its range of TV, broadband and home telephony services.
Sky is the UK’s biggest investor in television content, investing more than £2.3 billion a year in channels such as Sky 1, Sky Atlantic, Sky Living, Sky Arts, Sky Sports, Sky Movies and Sky News. Around two-thirds of Sky’s content spend is invested in the UK and Sky is the fastest-growing source of investment in original British programmes. More than 30 million people watch Sky content each week.
Alongside its commitment to offering customers a greater choice of high-quality content, Sky is a leading innovator. Customers enjoy total control and flexibility over their favourite TV through Sky+, watch TV on the move through Sky Go, and enjoy the best quality TV experience at home through High Definition and 3D.
Sky distributes its content broadly over several platforms, including satellite, cable, IPTV, mobile and WiFi. NOW TV, Sky’s second consumer brand, builds on the company’s leadership in internet TV. Sky is also the UK's fastest-growing home communications company and favourite ‘triple-play’ provider of TV, broadband and home phone.
Sky believes in making a wider contribution to the communities in which it operates by taking positive action on the environment, supporting grassroots sports and increasing access to, and participation in, the arts. Sky employs 23,000 people, has annual revenues of £6.8 billion and is estimated to support a £5.4 billion contribution to UK GDP. Sky is listed on the London Stock Exchange (BSY). www.sky.com/corporate