Tracey Ullman returns to BBC with new show
Emmy-winning comedian to leave the US
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tracey Ullman, the comedian who blazed a trail for a generation of female stars in the 80s, is to return to BBC1.
The performer, who made her breakthrough in the early-80s sketch show Three of a Kind, makes her comeback with The Tracey Ullman Show, a new series in which she portrays a “multitude of diverse and distinct characters living in, or visiting, the busy global hub that is the UK”.
An Emmy-winner, Ullman emigrated to the US where she starred in her own network television comedy series, which spawned The Simpsons, and produced shows for HBO.
Ullman, 55, who famously once appeared in a pop video with then Labour leader Neil Kinnock, said: “The BBC has changed a bit since the last time I worked here, when it was all men in bow ties who had completed National Service. Now there are a lot more women. Great ones.
“The important things haven’t changed, though. The BBC still provides an environment that allows you to the freedom to create the best shows possible.”
BBC One will also host a new annual Ronnie Barker Comedy Lecture, akin to the Reith and Dimbleby lectures, in which a key comedy figure will articulate “why comedy matters so much, both on a personal level and how it helps to reflect and define our national character”.
A BBC spokesman said: “There is huge debate around satire because of events across the globe from North Korea and across Europe, and this lecture will be the chance for the comedy community in the UK to lead that debate and discuss what role comedy must play in a free society.”
A renewed commitment to political satire sees Rory Bremner return to BBC2 with a post-Election special, which will ask “who has really won, and why? With a new government installed, who really runs the country? And how?”
Bremner said: “The next lot will have a week to get their act together before we do. God knows what will happen. We certainly don’t. And nor do they. Join us as we make sense of the nonsense.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments