BBC Three orders second series of Lee Nelson show
BBC Three has ordered a second series of Lee Nelson's Well Good Show...
The comedy, which is a creation of critically-acclaimed character comedian Simon Brodkin, has only just finished its seven-part first series on the channel, but we understand the broadcaster has already ordered a second series from production company Avalon.
Lee Nelson's Well Good Show is a studio-based comedy format which Brodkin hosts in character as 'chav' Lee Nelson. The format, which mixes scripted gags with off-the-cuff improvisation, sees Brodkin's alter ego get in amongst the studio audience to entertain them with cheeky banter, tales of mischief-making and various daft games. Inbetween the studio-based segments are sketches in which the star takes on various other acting roles, including portraying his preening footballer character Jason Bent in a series of sketches called 110% Bent.
The first series was met by a mixed reaction from critics. One reviewer said the 'Well Good Show' title was "a case of shameless false advertising", whilst The Scotsman newspaper labelled the comedy a "feeble excuse for such an unoriginal and hopelessly unamusing embarrassment". However, the programme also received praise too, and - crucially for the channel - scored well with the target demographic.
We understand the programme has performed well in the ratings and on iPlayer too, pleasing BBC Three's bosses. The highest rated episode of Lee Nelson's Well Good Show was the fourth episode in the series, which was first broadcast on the 1st July. It was the 7th most watched programme on BBC Three that week, with 718,000 viewers tuning in for the inital broadcast - it was only beaten in the BBC3 ratings by episodes of Family Guy and the EastEnders repeats.
On top of ordering the second series, the BBC is apparently currently also looking into the possibility of giving the show a repeat run on BBC Two.
Series 2 of Lee Nelson's Well Good Show is expected to be broadcast in early 2011. In the meantime Simon Brodkin will be returning to the live circuit. He will be performing Lee Nelson's Well Good Edinbra Show at the Pleasance Courtyard from the 4th - 30th August.
A clip from the show...