The 99p Challenge - Radio 4 Panel Show - British Comedy Guide (original) (raw)

The 99p Challenge. Image shows from L to R: Simon Pegg, Armando Iannucci, Sue Perkins, Jack Docherty, Peter Baynham. Copyright: Pozzitive Productions

Genre

Panel Show

Broadcast

1998 - 2004

Channel

BBC Radio 4

Episodes

30 (5 series)

Stars

Sue Perkins, William Vandyck, Peter Baynham, Simon Pegg, Armando Iannucci and Dave Green

Writers

Kevin Cecil, Andy Riley, Jon Holmes and Tony Roche

Directors

David Tyler and Sarah Smith

Producers

David Tyler and Sarah Smith

Company

"I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue for the Lock, Stock & Two-Smoking Barrels generation".

Originally devised and written by Andy Cecil and Kevin Riley, King Stupid launched in 1998 with host William Vandyck. It was generally well received, but a double entendre in the final episode reputedly resulted in the series being cancelled by the controller of Radio 4. However, 18 months later and after many pleas, the show was recommissioned with a new title and new host (Sue Perkins, who had previously been a regular panellist). It was scheduled in the 11pm slot, before finding its way back to the 6:30pm slot for Series 4 and 5.

Peter Baynham, Simon Pegg and Sue Perkins were regulars throughout the lifespan of The 99p Challenge, with Armando Iannucci installed as a stalwart in 2001. Many other upcoming comedians appeared as contestants too.

The 99p Challenge title refers to the fact that, rather than points, the teams are awarded copper coins.

Additional details

Also known as

Production

Studio

Broadcast details

First broadcast

Tuesday 22nd September 1998 at 6:30pm on BBC Radio 4

Most recent repeats

View all 172 repeats