·        A three part special airing exclusively on Sky 1 HD and Sky 1 +1 from late November (Week 48)

Sky 1 HD today announces that three part series AN IDIOT ABROAD 3 will air exclusively on the channel from late November (Week 48, 24 – 30 Nov). After sending Karl Pilkington to see the Seven Wonders, and then on a journey of a lifetime to experience the ultimate ‘Things To Do Before You Die’, Ricky Gervais has now persuaded Karl to embark on an epic journey following the footsteps of famous explorer Marco Polo from Italy to China.  But this time, Ricky’s arranged for his mate Warwick Davis to keep him company.  

Ricky Gervais said: “This is Karl's most epic journey so far. But, despite being a seasoned traveller he is still as angry, confused and naive as ever. At one point he seriously asks Warwick ‘do you have knees?” 

Warwick Davis added: “I have so many amazing memories of my travels with Karl; the people we met and the cultures we experienced. My eyes were opened to the diversity and beauty of our world. I am really proud of the show, and can’t wait to share it with the viewers of Sky1 HD.” 

Karl Pilkington commented: “I found that being with happy positive people annoys me.” 

Over the course of a 5000 mile journey from Venice to Eastern Europe, India and China, AN IDIOT ABROAD 3 will follow Karl and Warwick as they get stuck into different cultures and traditions, illuminated by Karl’s trademark observations about the world and Warwick’s varying experiences as a little person in different countries. 

The second series of An Idiot Abroad was recently nominated for a BAFTA® Television Award, adding to previous nods from the British Comedy, National Television, Royal Television Society, Broadcast and Broadcasting Press Guild awards. 

AN IDIOT ABROAD 3 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 content such as entertainment hits GOT TO DANCE, AN IDIOT ABROAD and A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN, dramas such as STRIKE BACK and MAD DOGS, comedies such as TROLLIED, SPY and THIS IS JINSY, and factual shows such as ROSS KEMP EXTREME WORLD and the BAFTA-winning documentary FLYING MONSTERS 3D.  

AN IDIOT ABROAD 3 is produced by RiSK Productions in association with Me & You Productions. The special was commissioned by Celia Taylor, Head of Factual at Sky and will be executive produced by Celia Taylor for Sky and Ricky Gervais, Richard Yee and Krishnendu Majumdar for RiSK Productions. 

AN IDIOT ABROAD 3 will air exclusively on Sky 1 HD and Sky 1 +1 from late November (Week 48). Following the addition of Sky 1 HD to Sky Go, customers will also be able to watch AN IDIOT ABROAD 3 on the move on iPad, selected smartphones and laptops at no extra cost.

Notes to editor

About Sky: 

Sky entertains and excites more than 10.4 million homes through the most comprehensive multichannel, multi-platform television service in the UK and Ireland. Sky continues to break new ground with its own portfolio of channels: Sky 1 combines its commitment to UK production with the best of the US; Sky Living pushes ahead with fresh and innovative entertainment formats; Sky Arts is the UK's only dedicated arts channel brand; Sky Atlantic is the home to HBO and other iconic drama and comedy, Sky Sports is still raising the bar in sports broadcasting; Sky News remains a pioneer in television news; and Sky Movies is leading the way in High Definition and on-demand. 

Sky also works with dozens of other broadcasters on the satellite platform, as well as online and on mobile through the ground-breaking Sky Go service.  Sky has also led the UK into the age of high definition television, launched Europe's first 3DTV channel, Sky 3D, and offers customer even more flexibility and choice through Sky Anytime+, its internet-delivered video on demand service.   Since launching Sky Broadband and Sky Talk in 2006, the company has also been the UK's fastest-growing home communications provider. 

Sky believes in making a wider contribution to the communities in which it operates, not least by increasing participation in, and access to, the arts, supporting grassroots sports, and taking positive action on the environment. 

About Sky 1 HD: 

Sky 1 HD is the most watched non-terrestrial channel in Sky homes, attracting more than 20m unique viewers every month and, according to the latest tracker results (October – December, 2011), was the third highest valued channel amongst all Sky subscribers behind only BBC1 and ITV1.

Sky 1 HD distinguishes itself from rival networks with original drama and comedy, talked about entertainment formats, distinctive factual programming and award-winning exclusive US drama.