BBC Radio 4 spinoff orders new comedy

BBC Radio 4 Extra, the new digital spinoff station that will replace Radio 7 next month, has ordered a string of new comedy programmes.

On April 2, Radio 7 will be relaunched as Radio 4 Extra in order to "raise awareness, bring more listeners to the station and promote DAB radio". The new station will broadcast a schedule more closely aligned to Radio 4, including a spinoff of The Archers called Ambridge Extra.

From April 8, Rufus Hound will present What's So Funny? on the station from 10am every Friday, delivering a "half-hour weekly whizz through the world of comedy". Hound will be joined by a variety of guests to discuss news, reviews and previews of all things comedy.

"Everyone knows that Extra is a word inherently linked with good: extra portions, extra good, extra marital affair. Wherever the word Extra's heading, you want to follow. So when I was told there was going to be a Radio 4 Extra, I wanted in," he said.

"There are so many programmes that give a weekly round-up of everything in the world of comedy; it's hard to know how we'll really differentiate ourselves. Well, let me ask you this question - when was the last time you heard news about Jimmy Carr being read by a man who can bench press almost 100 kilograms? Well, tell your future self to stop worrying, I'm on my way."

From April 3, Radio 4 Extra's Comedy Club will run for six nights a week from 10pm to midnight, showcasing a range of talents from the comedy circuit. Andi Osho will present the Sunday night show, with Arthur Smith hosting Monday through Thursday.

Smith said: "Having worked a lot on Radio 4 it seems only right to do Radio 4 Extra. I shall enjoy listening to some prime radio comedy, some of which I know and some of which I'm looking forward to hearing for the first time (and maybe nicking the best jokes from). I shall also enjoy catching up with fellow comics and wearing some silly hats."

Comedy First is a new strand offering Radio 4 Extra listeners the chance to hear premieres of comedy shows before they air on Radio 4, starting with the third series of Smith's Balham Bash on April 5 at 10am.

The station will also provide a home to some of Radio 7's comedy favourites, including Classic Comedy and the return of Newsjack this summer.