[Matt]

Channel 4 today confirms that a new series of The Charlotte Church Show will be broadcast this summer.

Following Charlotte's break to have her first child, the award-winning entertainment series will return with a run of 8 x 45 minute shows to go out in summer 2008. In addition C4 has also commissioned a Christmas special. The studio show will continue with the same successful format that characterised the first two series, mixing pre-recorded hidden camera stunts, comedy sketches, celebrity guests, exclusive duets between Charlotte and top musical acts and studio audience participation. The series will continue to be recorded close to transmission in front of a studio audience.

The Charlotte Church Show launched in September 2006 and highlights have included Charlotte being disguised as a man to take part in a speed dating event, fooling shoppers when masquerading as a new age healer and using hidden earpieces to play pranks during a church service and at a wedding reception. Guests have included Katie Price (Jordan), Rupert Everett, Liza Minnelli, Paul O'Grady, Billie Piper, Davina McCall and Johnny Vegas. Among Charlotte's many musical guests have been Amy Winehouse, Sugababes, Nelly Furtado, Manic Street Preachers and McFly.

The most recent series of The Charlotte Church Show (broadcast between February and April 2007) pulled in an average audience of 2.1 million viewers and an 11% share of the available audience. In its timeslot, it was the most watched show among the 16-34 year old audience with 37% of its audience being 16-34 and 49% ABC1s. The series has won a British Comedy Award and a Loaded LAFTA Award. It is currently nominated in the Entertainment category for the 2008 Rose D'Or Festival.

The Charlotte Church Show is produced by production company Monkey. The Executive Producers are Will Macdonald and David Granger.

Andrew Newman, Head of Entertainment and Comedy at Channel 4 said:
"We are thrilled Charlotte is returning to Channel 4 for a third series. Over the past two series of her show, Charlotte has proved herself to be a TV natural, with the rare talent of being able to turn her hand to presenting, comedy, interviewing and of course music. Her infectious enthusiasm, down-to-earth attitude and immense all-round likeability make her show great fun. We are delighted to continue our association with her."

Will Macdonald of Monkey said:

"We're all very excited about the long-awaited return to TV of the housewife and mother-of-one Ms C Church. She's raring to put down the pot cleaner and pick up the microphone."

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