'Father Ted' app readied by Channel 4

Channel 4 is reportedly launching a Father Ted app for Apple's iPhone that will enable people to turn themselves into Father Jack.

The app, titled Father Jack Me, allows users to upload an image of themselves to be transformed into the veteran, alcoholic priest, reports Broadcast.

There are options to add boils, a milky eye, dandruff and bushy eyebrows to the photos and then share the doctored images with friends over email or social networks.

Frank Kelly, who played Father Jack, has provided a series of classic and original catchphrases for the mobile app.

Hat Trick Productions and digital agency Tag Games have been involved in the development process, along with Father Ted writer Graham Linehan.

Father Jack Me, which will launch in the coming weeks on iTunes priced at 59p, is part of Channel 4's drive to leverage the possibilities of mobile apps.

The broadcaster has set aside around £100,000 for the development of new mobile and digital apps, with a series of launches planned to test the emerging market.

Jody Smith, Channel 4's multiplatform commissioner of entertainment and comedy, said that the commercial performance of Father Jack Me would inform future trials.

Smith said: "It's amazing how popular the show remains and it attracts a younger audience too. There are a lot of soundboard apps out there, but this is something entirely different and original."

Father Jack Me follows a Come Dine With Me app launched last year with ITV Studios, featuring recipe suggestions and acerbic quotes from narrator Dave Lamb.