DAVID BADDIEL is the cat that got the cream as he has finally got his dream show commissioned.
I can reveal the funnyman has spent years pitching the programme about our feline companions to various TV bosses, who thought he was joking.
The series, titled David Baddiel: Cat Man, will see the comic go on a nationwide journey to meet extraordinary moggies and their equally passionate owners[/caption]
But at last Channel 4 agreed to make a three-part series documenting Brits’ love affair with their cats.
David said: “I’ve been in many meetings over many years with TV commissioners and at the end of them, they often say ‘And do you have any other ideas?’
“And I always say: ‘Yes, there should be a TV show about cats.’ And mostly they’ve laughed. I’ve never been joking.”
David argues with 12.5million pet cats in the UK — that’s more than 25 per cent of households — and the internet full of memes about them, there is a gap in the market for moggies on TV, which has predominantly focused on dogs.
He adds: “Channel 4 has realised I’m not joking and commissioned it.
“Which is great because I just really love cats and this will allow me to hang out with them a lot.
“I presently have four of my own and I’m very, very happy to disprove the myth that someone with that many must be a mad old woman, by being on Channel 4 as an out-and-proud mad old cat man.”
The series, titled David Baddiel: Cat Man, will see the comic go on a nationwide journey to meet extraordinary moggies and their equally passionate owners, including some celebs.
He will also explore how cats have worked their way into our hearts, and tackle age-old misconceptions.
David will be the purrfect host.
Thriller no joke for Jack
JACK WHITEHALL’s dark new drama Malice will be available to stream next month.
The funnyman has taken a break from telling gags for his first major serious role in the Prime Video series alongside The X-Files star David Duchovny and Game of Thrones actress Carice van Houten.
Jack stars as charismatic tutor Adam who charms his way into the life of the wealthy Tanner family while they’re on holiday in Greece.
When the family’s nanny falls ill, Adam worms his way into their home where his true nature emerges – and he plots their downfall.
Speaking about the revenge thriller, which launches on November 14, Jack says: “From shooting in London in February to ending in 37-degree heat in Paros, the whole shoot has been an amazing experience.”
We’re going to see a whole new side to him.
Russell says he’s nailed it
Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies has praised his new Channel 4 drama Tip Toe, starring Alan Cumming and David Morrissey, which coming in 2026.[/caption]
FORGET Doctor Who, Channel 4’s Tip Toe is the Russell T Davies drama that the man himself is most happy about.
The writer beamed when quizzed about the series, which hits screens next year, when on the red carpet at the Attitude Awards.
He said: “It stars Alan Cumming and David Morrissey and it’s about neighbours at war. And it’s going to be on in 2026.
“I am more excited about that than I have been for anything for a long while,” he admitted.
Asked if there will be references to cult hit Queer As Folk, given that Canal Street will be one of the series’ locations, he added: “No. But I believe everything I write is set in the same world, really.”
Don’t rule out seeing some Daleks then, we reckon.
ITV now in its Prime
ITV have launched another surprise collaboration with a big name streamer.
Starting from Thursday, Prime Video subscribers can access ITVX Premium, meaning they can binge on hit shows including Love Island and I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, plus new drama Frauds.
Subscribers can secure ITVX Premium as an add-on for £5.99 a month.
Prime Video already has similar add-on deals with Apple TV+, MGM+, Paramount+ and TNT Sport.
The new link-up comes after ITV secured a content-sharing deal with Disney+ in July which allowed both platforms to air each other’s selected programming.
