C4 series to honour new comedy heroes

Channel 4 is making a series of documentaries honouring top new comedians Ricky Gervais, Sacha Baron Cohen, Matt Lucas and David Walliams.

Three New Hero of Comedy shows will chart their careers and feature contributions from friends, colleagues and commentators.

Gervais will be the subject of the first show which will hear from top names including Matt Groening, Michael Palin and Russell Brand. It is being produced by Tiger Aspect.

The second show, from producer Shine, will be about Little Britain creators Lucas and Walliams. North One Television is producing the third about Baron Cohen, the man behind Ali G and Borat.

They will air at 9pm on Fridays from February 22.