ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½

They brought controversial phone-in host Gary Bellamy to µþµþ°äÌý¸é²¹»å¾±´ÇÌý4 – now Paul Whitehouse and Charlie Higson are set to unleash their creation on the Great British public, letting Bellamy out of the studio to meet people face to face as Down The Line moves to ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Two, it was announced today by Mark Freeland, ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Head of Comedy.

Speaking at a Comedy Forum, hosted by Jana Bennett, Director ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Vision, Mark revealed that Gary Bellamy will abandon the comfort of his studio and take to the road to meet the people of Britain and elicit their views on topics ranging from crime and religion to class and culture.

Mark Freeland said: "Down The Line on Radio 4 made my face ache with laughter. It's a real thrill that it will now be doing the same on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Two. And it's great for ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ in-house to be working with Paul and Charlie again."

Lucy Lumsden, Controller of Comedy Commissioning, added: "Down The Line was one of the freshest radio comedies of recent years, starring the cream of the UK's comedy talent. With this transfer, the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Two viewers are in for a real treat."

Starring alongside Paul Whitehouse and Charlie Higson will be Simon Day, Felix Dexter, Lucy Montgomery, Amelia Bullmore, Rosie Cavaliero and Rhys Thomas as Bellamy himself.

The show will be produced jointly by ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Comedy and Down The Line Productions. Executive Producer will be Mark Freeland.

Down The Line was commissioned by former ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Two Controller Roly Keating and Lucy Lumsden.

Down The Line begins filming later this year.

CP