The BBC will outsource all its comedy output to China in a six-month trial that could become permanent.
The Chinese state broadcaster CCTV will be given free rein to produce new series of existing shows, such as Miranda, which will be retitled Hopeless Unwed Western Daughter, Big Drain on Family.
Miranda Hart, Hugh Dennis and Jennifer Saunders are rumoured to already be moving to Beijing, where they will be quartered in basic state accommodation.
“CCTV made a very competitive tender for all our comedy, so congratulations to them. Chinese comedy can at best actually be reasonably okay. This is a fantastic opportunity for actors at a time when drama is inevitably losing out to less expensive reality formats,” said BBC director general Mark Thompson.
Chinese comedy: it's the future
“Stars and supporting actors alike will be woken at 6am, when they will perform group exercises and eat a modest but nourishing breakfast before being led to the "Chinese comedy" workshop area.
“Here they will be closely monitored as they improvise comedy ideas with the people from CCTV.
“The Chinese obviously take a dim view of inefficiency and any failure to be funny on demand could be met with consequences but I think that goes without saying.”
Chinese comedy: the other planned remakes by state broadcaster CCTV:
- Absolutely Fabulous: Productive and Commendable
- Outnumbered: One Acceptable Child and Two Excess Children, Based on Current State Regulations
- Only Fools and Horses: English importers of superior Chinese products
- Last of the Summer Wine: Out of Control Wheelbarrow is Unacceptable Unproductive Activity
- Fawlty Towers: Amusing Angry Man Vexed by Multiple Pressures in Pleasant Coastal Location
- Gavin and Stacey: Promiscuous Younger Generation Undermining Traditional Family Structure.
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