A few days ago we reported that the BBC is investing more money in
comedy script writing in Manchester. It appears that the initiative is
already bearing fruit, as BBC Manchester's new Comedy Department announces its
first sitcom.
The eight-part series, called 'I Deal'
stars Johnny Vegas as a small-time cannabis dealer. It has been penned by Graham
Duff and Tony
Burgess
, who recently was awarded a £6,000 BBC bursary to write comedy in
Manchester. The show is produced by Steve Coogan's production company.
Speaking about the new sitcom Johnny Vegas said: "Henry Normal put my head in
a bucket of water, while Steve Coogan forced me to sign the contract. I'm a
victim... but still proud to spearhead any comedy development based in the
North!"
The show will be aired on BBC Three later in 2004, and is expected to
transfer to BBC Two after that.
