ITV1 joins forces with Paul Merton to say “Thank God You’re Here”

Thank God You’re Here is a unique new comedy show hosted by Paul Merton. The show will bring together a group of talented and well known personalities and ask them to take on the ultimate dramatic challenge – to step through a door into a scene they know nothing about. They’ll be given a costume, props and a set – the only thing they won’t have: a script.

Filmed in front of a live audience, each week’s guests will be unaware of the scenario that they are about to walk into. They could be dressed in anything from a policeman’s uniform to a cheerleader’s outfit. They will be guided through a blue door by Paul to be greeted by the line, “Thank God You’re Here” – after that, they’ll have to survive on their wits alone and blag their way through the scene.

It’s about bluffing. Pretending you know what’s going on when it’s blatantly obvious you’re completely out of your depth!

Guests for show one include actor Ben Miller, Fern Britton, Australian comedian Hamish Blake and John Thomson.

Paul Merton makes a welcome return to ITV with ‘Thank God You’re Here’ and will also be returning to his comedy roots by performing in his very own scene each week. The scene will be kept top secret from Paul and producers will ensure the first he knows about it will be when he walks through the blue door.

Paul says: “I’m delighted to be hosting Thank God You’re Here. It’s a really great idea: none of the guests have any idea what they’re walking into and anything could happen. We’ve got lots of great scenarios lined up and I can’t wait to get started.”

Duncan Gray, ITV’s Controller of Comedy and Entertainment, says “TGYH is a laugh out loud, funny, fresh show, built around Paul Merton’s unrivalled improvisational skill and popularity.”

It’s pure entertainment and anything can happen!

Saturday 12 January 2008 9:05pm - 10:05pm