Graham Linehan comedy set for wider audience

The second series of Count Arthur Strong is to move to BBC One for a 7 x 30 series the BBC has confirmed.

The comedy, which originally aired on BBC Two in 2013, stars Stephen Delaney as Arthur and Rory Kinnear as Michael, who is once again drawn into Arthur’s world of ill thought-out, innocent but poorly executed scams, schemes and best-laid plans. While Arthur is blissfully oblivious to the chaos he leaves behind.

The comedy award-winning series is produced by Retort (part of FremantleMedia UK), Komedia Entertainment and Delightful Industries and written by Graham Linehan and Steve Delaney.

Writer Graham Linehan says: “BBC Two has been wonderful in nurturing the show and kind in letting us transfer to BBC One, which I think will suit this big, silly brilliant character even better.”

Stephen Delaney added: “I’m delighted that the show is to transfer. BBC One has a great tradition of live audience studio based sitcoms and it’s wonderful to now be part of that tradition.”

Gregor Sharp, commissioning editor for BBC Comedy says: “Count Arthur Strong is a true comedy original and we’re delighted to welcome him to BBC One. We hope he doesn’t break anything.”

Count Arthur Strong series 2 will air on BBC One in 2015.