BBC One orders political Tracey Ullman's Show special

Friday 26th May 2017, 10:30am

Tracey Ullman's Show. Tracey Ullman

BBC One has ordered Tracey Breaks The News, a special topical episode of Tracey Ullman's Show.

The channel confirms: "Following a triumphant return to the BBC and two successful series of Tracey Ullman's Show, the award-winning actress, impressionist and comedian is back on BBC One with a half hour special to transmit in the aftermath of the election."

Producers explain: "Tracey Breaks The News will be filmed close to transmission, and will feature the return of series favourites Angela Merkel and Nicola Sturgeon. And Tracey will also be tackling Theresa May for the first time. The show will be a mix of famous political figures and everyday people, all reacting to the aftermath of the general election and the anniversary of the Brexit vote. It's no longer just a view of the UK - this show will feature Russians, Europeans, and a new take on Melania Trump."

Tracey Ullman says: "I'm excited the BBC has asked me to make a show at this time. We've decided to shake it up with a more topical format because things move so fast these days it's like every 10 minutes I'm voting for something.

"There's never been a better time to be imitating world famous political women, and I admire and thank them all: Angela Merkel, Nicola Sturgeon, and my home girl newbie Theresa May. I can't wait to get stuck in - thanks to the BBC and my brilliant team. It really is a privilege."

Tracey Breaks The News will be broadcast in June.

The commission is part of a raft of satire shows ordered by BBC Comedy Commissioner Shane Allen. He has also announced Frankie Boyle's New World Order, Cunk On Britain, Charlie Brooker's 2017 Wipe, Politics For Bitches and A Year In The Life Of A Year.

Allen says: "This range of shows puts a contemporary spin on the decades' long, rich tradition of satire on the BBC. In a tumultuous political climate, the desire and opportunity for satire is at an all-time high. The fast moving social media age presents a new challenge in a fluid news landscape, so we need to be ever more up to date and reactive. This gathering of idiosyncratic comic minds is a concerted effort to create a satirical hall of mirrors to reflect upon."

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