Five goes for laughs

Channel Five has recruited Graham Smith from the BBC to lead a new foray into original comedy programming, reports Media Guardian (free registration required).

Smith was the executive producer of shows including Little Britain, Spaced, So Graham Norton and TFI Friday.

Reports suggest that Smith will work for both Five and the Paramount Comedy Channel as part of a new joint production venture between the two broadcasters to develop sitcoms, sketch shows and other scripted comedy programming.