The King Is Dead (TV series)
The King is Dead is a British comedy show created, written by and starring Simon Bird. Also presenting are Nick Mohammed and Katy Wix. It aired on Thursdays at 10.30pm on BBC Three, with repeats on both Friday and Saturday.
| The King is Dead | |
|---|---|
| Created by | Simon Bird |
| Starring | Simon Bird Nick Mohammed Katy Wix Jonny Sweet Mathew Baynton |
| Voices of | Peter Dickson |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language | English |
| No. of series | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 7 (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Executive producers | Margot Gavan Duffy Suzy Lamb |
| Running time | 30 minutes |
| Production company | Talkback Thames |
| Distributor | Fremantle |
| Release | |
| Original network | BBC Three |
| Original release | 2 September – 14 October 2010 |
Overview
Each week on The King Is Dead a well-known public figure is hypothetically bumped off. It's down to the comedic interview panel, led by Simon Bird, to scour the Great British celebrity pool for a top-notch replacement. Three celebrities compete in this unique and vigorous interview process in a bid to prove they are the best applicant for the available job.[1]
The show was cancelled in October 2010 after it was panned by critics and obtained low ratings.[2]
Format
Each episode Nick Mohammad, Katy Wix and Simon Bird tell the contestants a person such as the Archbishop is dead, and chaos will ensue, as evidenced by Nick's going to the door and viewing a riot outside. Three celebrities are introduced as candidates to succeed him or her. When they do a postman (Mathew Baynton) comes in asking for a signature for e.g. Archbishop when they tell him that e.g. The Archbishop is dead
Round 1: The Basics
In this round them three place three famous celebs as the names like Bobbies. Bobby Charlton, Bobby Davro, and Bob the Builder the celeb will pick it and see what is behind it. it has also some facts about the challenge, also the part where they get Darren when the audience boo at him, each of the challenges is rewarded with three points.
Round 2: The Grilling
Simon presses the button and the light chosses the contestant for a humorous interview with Nick Mohammad. Interviews may consist of solely yes-no questions, quickfires, or choices. For instance, in the Chief of Police episode, Caprice was asked to choose between Gandhi and Nelson Mandela.
Round 3: Speed Round
This is the final chance to earn points. Simon answer the celebs questions that are based on facts, and they receive two points for a correct answer. When time is up, Katy Wix announces the scores. The top two candidates with proceed, while the loser is escorted to the door by Nick Mohammed.
Final Round: Head to Head
In the last round, the two finalists go head to head in a challenge. Past challenges have included:
- The President of the USA: Contestants had to kiss babies
- Chief of Police: Contestants had to get into a container of biscuits and meat; a dog decided who was to be Chief of Police
- The King: Contestants inserted printer cartridges, inflated armbands, and smashed the champagne
- The Assistant Regional Head of Sales: Contestants used a supply cabinet to play darts with eggs. (but it was a Test cause the Real assistant head would never stand for bullying.)
- King of the Jungle: Using disability assistance type animals, contestants had to place objects in the suitcase
- Father Christmas: Contestants performed a list of actions, moving at the speed of light, but in slow motion: eat the pies, give granddad a kiss, place the present in the stockings. Their time could be reduced by guessing what Nick and Katy are acting out in a game of Charades
Episode list
In total six regular episodes and one clips show have been broadcast, seven in total (bold indicates winner).
| Episode | Title | Participants | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "The President of the USA" | Sarah Beeny James Corden Peaches Geldof | 2 September 2010 |
| 2 | "Chief of Police" | Kirsten O'Brien Caprice Graham Cole | 9 September 2010 |
| 3 | "The King" | Jennie Bond Chloe Madeley Louis Walsh | 16 September 2010 |
| 4 | "Assistant Regional Head of Sales" | Eamonn Holmes Mollie King Kate Walsh | 23 September 2010 |
| 5 | "King of the Jungle" | Dappy George Lamb Terry Nutkins | 30 September 2010 |
| 6 | "Father Christmas" | Derek Acorah Huey Morgan Nathan Stewart-Jarrett | 7 October 2010 |
| 7 | "Long Live the Best Bits" | Highlights show | 14 October 2010 |
References
- "The King is Dead". BBC Online. Retrieved 24 September 2010.
- "What's Up With The Bird?". Channel Hopping. Retrieved 15 January 2012.
