C4 focuses on new docs and comedy

Channel 4 has put documentaries and new talent at the heart of its spring and summer schedule as it moves to prove its public service credentials.

The headline offering is a season of shows, The Truth About Street Weapons, culminating in a panel hearing chaired by Cherie Blair. There will also be two Dispatches on the topic, a Cutting Edge and a one-off drama, Fallout.

August will be New Talent Month showcasing "aspiring TV talent". This will include a new 11 O'Clock Show-style topical comedy programme. With the working title The Nightly Show, it will air on weekdays for three consecutive weeks and feature "a new generation of comics".

There will also be a new comedy, The Kevin Bishop Show, from the producers of last year's Star Stories, while Peep Show will return for a new series.

Other factual offerings include seasons on The Wonder of Islam, Professor Richard Dawkins's Origin of the Species and In the Shadow of the Moon, recounting the story of the Apollo mission.

Channel 4 head Julian Bellamy, launching the season line-up today, said it put into practice plans for the broadcaster's public service future. Its recently-released Next on 4 statement committed to increasing new British programming, campaigns and emerging talent.

Bellamy said Channel 4's audiences had been strong in February and March compared to rivals - down only around 3% year-on-year - and he believed more new shows could continue the success.

"One of the things that comes through is the appetite people have for the new." He said it wanted to continue "an improving share and emerging strength".

New drama will include The Devil's Whore, a four-part serial set in the English Civil War, written by Peter Flannery (Our Friends In The North) and starring Andrea Riseborough. John Simm will also appear as anti-monarchist rebel Edward Sexby.

Channel 4 spring and summer 2008: Heston Blumenthal to take over a Little Chef; Charlotte Church chat show will return; new entertainment includes Grand Designs goes live and Gok Wan gets a fashion series; Davina McCall to remain as Big Brother host.