As part of a scientific study into the effects of drugs, comedian David Baddiel has agreed to take MDMA – methylenedioxymethamphetamine – live on air in order that scientists can monitor the effects of the drug.

He’ll take the drug – which is also known as Mandy and Ecstasy – as part of Channel 4’s series Drugs Live which will be hosted by news presenter Jon Snow and Embarrassing Bodies medic Dr Christian Jessen.

The programme will also include a discussion with author Lionel Shriver, who wrote the novel We Need To Talk About Kevin which focuses on a murderous disturbed teenager…

When Channel 4 announced last year that they were to air Drugs Live, their press statement read…

Channel 4 today announces a radical new science series examining the claims and counterclaims made about the effects of recreational drugs by testing them on live television.

Under strict medical supervision and in a controlled clinical environment, individuals will be filmed as they use different substances. Their physical and psychological effects will be monitored, as will their social interaction with others as the drugs enter their systems.

Specialist Factual Commissioning Editor David Glover says: “This subject is fraught with controversy and confusion – this series will provide viewers with unmediated access to a live drug trial.

“Viewers will be able to see for themselves the actual effects the drugs have in scientific detail. We will work closely with the leading research institutes from across the world. The aim is to bring new clarity to the facts of illegal drug use.”

What I’m rather intrigued to know though is if the police are going to be involved? I mean, it IS an illegal drug, and they kinda now know where – and by whom – it will be taken.

I’m so going to tune in to see if David gets busted!