A new digital TV channel is hoping to rival BBC 1 and ITV 1 in primetime light entertainment. Called - somewhat cheesily - The Great British Television Channel, the new venture is backed by a string of celebs including Chris Tarrant, Joe Pasquale, Carol Vorderman, Vinnie Jones, Bill Wyman, Jimmy Tarbuck, Julian Clary, Tommy Walsh, Ronnie Corbett, Shane Ritchie and Jim Davidson.
The channel will launch via the Sky network on Christmas Eve. Launch shows will include 'Live From London Town' - a variety show of the Sunday Night at the Palladium ilk hosted by Billy Connolly - and It's Your Call, based on a Capital Radio show.
The channel's MD, comedian Richard Digance, told reporters: "The UK needs an alternative to what is currently on the BBC and ITV on Saturday nights. Currently there is nothing on TV that includes 'variety' as the British public perceives it to be."