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BBC1 has commissioned a new Saturday evening hidden-camera comedy series from Total Wipeout producer Initial.
Secret Service (6x40′), which is due to debut next year, will be produced by the Endemol UK-owned prodco with Top Gear and Wipeout presenter Richard Hammond lined up to front the show.
BBC1 controller Danny Cohen and BBC controller of entertainment commissioning Mark Linsey commissioned the show. Jake Cardew will produce for Initial, while Mirella Breda will executive produce for the BBC
The show will see Hammond lead a team of actors and comedians as they wind-up and play pranks on unsuspecting members of the public, who have been set up by friends or family.
The news comes a month after C21 revealed the BBC is piloting a second Talpa format, called I Love My Country, for a Saturday night primetime slot. The UK broadcaster has a two-year development deal in place with the Dutch producer, with talent show The Voice currently airing on BBC1.
Along with BBC1′s Total Wipeout, which Hammond also hosts, Initial’s other credits include Big Brother for UK broadcaster Channel 5, Soccer Aid for ITV1 and I Can Cook for kid’s channel CBeebies.
