Calling all comedians! Mock the Week-style comedy panel show to be produced by RTÉ

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The popular UK show was hosted by Irish comedian Dara O'Briain for 17 years

RTÉ has launched a pitch competition for a Mock the Week-style comedy panel show. 

The proposed programme will reportedly run midweek post watershed and will draw inspiration from popular shows like 'Would I Lie to You' and 'Mock the Week'. 

'Mock the Week' - which was hosted by Irish comedian Dara O'Briain - ended in 2022 after a 17 year run and 21 series. 

Pitches for a new programme are now underway, with the winning pitch capturing "the spontaneity and irreverent humour" from a fresh perspective. 

A listing posted on RTE.ie reads: "We are looking for a way to break traditional format expectations with a new approach we haven’t seen before.

"An example of this would be 'Taskmaster', which retains the defined beats of a panel show but with inventive challenges, in an unconventional studio setting." 

The host of the show should be "a skilled comedic anchor who can interact effectively with guests and drive the format". 

RTÉ will also be conducting a search for core contributors who are "talented entertainers with a variety of comedic styles and abilities". 

The listing continues: "We are looking for a sense of chemistry between host, contributors and guests and the ability to create memorable comedic moments.

"Strong writing is essential, as is an editorial understanding of the beats that characterise successful panel show formats. You should demonstrate an understanding and/or experience of similar production models." 

According to Goss.ie, well known faces are already in the running including Joanne McNally, Brendan O'Connor and Deirdre O'Kane. 

The deadline for proposals is 12pm noon on May 31. 

It's believed the completed show will hit screens sometime in autumn 2024. 

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