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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Nana Hughes doesn't believe either The Mighty Boosh or League of Gentlemen would be made today. #EdTVFest

Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Charlie Perkins from C4 says they have tried to feature new comics in the Dictionary Corner on 8 out of 10 cats does Countdown and on The Last Leg. She also notes that Mitchell and Webb were keen to feature fresher talent on their recent sketch show. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

On casting Laugh One Laughing, Cat Lynch from Amazon says they don't want someone too new as they may sink, so the 'new act' may have been on the scene for the last 10 years. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

The panel are asked why comedians still need tv now that many find an audience on YouTube. The collaborative process and the level of scale are mentioned. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

The panel are asked about cancellation of Live at the Apollo- Nana Hughes says they are looking to develop short form comedy in the same way as C4's Comedy Blaps. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

ITV's head of scripted comedy Nana Hughes has been trying to build up the channel's slate after Kevin Lygo said at a previous #EdTVFest that they didn't need comedy as they had Corrie.

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

The panel are asked why shows such as SNLUK, Small Prophets and Last one Laughing have been successful. They say people want escapism and also state all 3 have been innovative in different ways. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

ITV state S4 of Changing Ends is coming in November and The Dry S3 early next year. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Universal mention new Mike Schur comedy Dig starring Hugh Laurie and Amy Poehler. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Channel 4 preview their new comedy slate including a new family sitcom starring Josh Pugh. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

The panel are asked what their favourite comedies have been they mention Ann Droid, Small Prophets, Hacks and Widows Bay. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Actually its TV Needs Comedy - a statement not a question. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Final session of my #EdTVFest this year is Does TV need Comedy?

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Head writer Jonno Johnson says he wishes SNLUK due to the amount of news they could've covered in their cold open. He cites the new Prime Minister and the Count Binface saga as examples. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

The cold opens are done quite close to the wire given what happens during the week newswise. They site the Melania sketch as an example. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Emma Sidi says the sketch where she played the shopping channel host with gross fingers was based on the fact that she had gross fingers several weeks prior. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Emma Sidi says her fave ep was the one with Jamie Dornan and says one sketch was cut during dress rehearsal with the two of them on a Loose Women type show which featured Dornan blowing bubbles. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Jack Shep says his fave sketch that didn't make it was a group of friends trying to convince their friend not to break up with their boyfriend who is a blob as he works at Jo Malone. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Jack Shep says he thought it was quite punk to be part of something everyone thought would fail #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Emma Sidi hates the brutal process of cutting the 30 sketches down to make the show. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

The deadline for receiving writing packages was the week the pope died and there were numerous sketches received about the pope's death. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Roughly 2000 comics sent in audition tapes for SNLUK #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Emma Sidi says doing SNLUK is exactly the same as doing improv. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Phil Edgar Jones says his favourite review of the show was that The Telegraph called it shockingly competent. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Every cast member and host has a wig that looks like their real hair so it can be snatched off quickly to apply hair and makeup for the sketches. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

A whole team was hired on how to use cue cards and trained by an American who was an expert in the field. Every cast member has their own separate colour of ink. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

There was a debate around how much swearing woukd occur as it isn't used on the American show. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Jamie Dornan was terrified when he first had to use cue cards but was comfortable by Saturday night. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Phil Edgar Jones wishes there would be a coffee table book of sketches that didn't make it. No sketches are used that were written for previous shows. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

On Wednesday, 30-35 sketches are pitched to the cast and host and the best are chosen. 2 sketches are cut between the dress rehearsal and the live show normally due to logistics #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

The cast were not used to be man handled during their costume and make-up changes but got more comfortable during the run. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Hair and makeup is done quickly and in blocks. They have 3 days to come up with everything following the completion of the sketches. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Roughly 1000 people watch SNLUK im studio between the live shows and the dry run. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Phil Edgar Jones states that conversations about SNLUK for the last 5 years as they developed a relationship with Lorne Michaels. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Back at #EdTVFest this morning for an SNLUK masterclass.

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Final clip is of the new Bake-Off and C4 deny any tension between Paul and Nigella. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

C4 preview David Harewood legal drama Pierre - which is coming soon and they are hoping will return. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Although they are attracting big talents C4 state that they are always interested in the writers first. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

C4 preview new thriller Maya from Daisy Haggard who writes and stars alongside Bella Ramsey who will play her daughter. It will be coming early next year. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Channel 4 says their drama commissions have more than doubled in the last 2 years and describe tgem as 'noisier' than they were in the past #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Incognito sees 10 people stripped of their identities and live together in a controlled environment. They will win a cash prize if they can guess who their fellow contestants are. They also have no idea that Brown is behind it. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Next preview is of Derren Brown - Incognito. A reality show looking at unconscious bias, judging people instantly and is authored by Derren #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Channel 4 state that the success of Virgin Island can be attributed to people posting TikToks cringing at certain moments #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Channel 4 preview a new fact ents Apocalypse - about how people would survive an apocalypse. It has been filmed in an abandoned Cincinatti town which is used to train the military #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Secret Genius will be returning for S2 with a format that includes more jeopardy. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Channel 4 state that Handcuffed gained a large 16-24 audience thanks to people posting clips on TikTok. It will be returning for S2. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Channel 4 state that they will be producing docs that only they could do. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Channel 4 are asked if MAFS will return, they state they cant comment until the two reviews have concluded #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Channel 4 admit their strategy games like The Hunt and The Inheritance didn't work and state they are yet to find their Traitors. #EdTVFest

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Matt Donnelly @mattdonnelly1.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Kate Phillips is also excited about Rob Brydons Bill's Included and is happy how many people have discovered Small Prophets stating that views on iPlayer are up to 9 million. #EdTVFest

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