Rufus Hound has just completed filming a new 30-minute BBC sitcom pilot, THE FLAT, which also co-stars comedian Tom Price. The Flat is an intelligent, silly and occasionally surreal sitcom, which follows the fortunes of two twenty-something guys cohabiting in a flat in Manchester. The pre-watershed pilot for BBC Three has been written specially for Tom & Rufus by Dean Wilkinson.

The pilot has been made by BBC Comedy North and was shot on location in Manchester. It was produced by Gill Isles and Michelle Lanaway and directed by Paul Mackay and David Sant.

Dan Wright and Steve Marsh of Electric Forecast are shortly to begin filming a new pilot, 'I'm a Crash Test Dummy', for Sky TV. Filming will take place in Manchester, late November and early December, with Granada Television. Testing a wide range of products 'to the limit and beyond', The pilot will see Dan and Steve flirt with danger, as they test the 'indestructability factor' of everything from bullet-proof sunglasses to chainsaws. The versatile pair also star in their own hit kids BBC TV series ‘Big Cook Little Cook’, which is rapidly gaining cult status amongst adults. They have just completed filming a new series.

Rufus Hound will be co-presenting three more Top of the Pops shows prior to Christmas, alongside regular host Fern Cotton. Catch Rufus on BBC2 on November 20th - and on one of TOTP's Xmas shows, December 18th. Rufus is also scheduled to host Top of The Pops on January 8th 2006. Rufus will also be supporting Rory Bremner on his forthcoming tour, during late November and early December 2005. His popularity on the comedy circuit continues to grow and he has a number of TV projects in development .

Ex-government spin doctor and comedienne Ayesha Hazarika was recently heard on the Daily Politics programme (BBC2) discussing the Lib Dem Party Conference live from Blackpool. She will also be performing stand-up at the Labour Party Conference alongside fellow comedian Geoff Whiting. Meanwhile during the next few months you can hear Ayesha and Ian Stone on the Worricker Programme (Radio Five).

REVOLVER starring Jason Statham and Ray Liotta goes on general release from 22nd Sept. Ricky plays the role of Hamish – a Scottish heavy who makes a few mistakes. It’s ironic that Ricky, the only genuine cockney on the set, was cast as a Scot! Ricky has another feature film coming out later this year CARGO starring Peter Mullan. He also recently shot a trailer for Channel 4 with Ray Winstone.

Simon Lipson and Philippa Fordman: ‘He Barks She Bites’ were short listed for the ‘Double Act Award 2005’ for the best comedy partnership at the Edinburgh Fringe this year. They are currently working on development ideas for radio and television.

Geoff Norcott has been signed up to appear in a new show for BBC 2 called “Must Try Harder” – about celebrities going back through their old school reports. Geoff, an ex-teacher and now full time comedian, was the perfect choice for the job - having himself written many school reports.

At the beginning of the summer Angie McEvoy flew to Moscow to become the first female comedienne (of any nationality) to perform stand-up in Russia. She spent several days being shown the sights of Moscow, which she then incorporated into her set. She was invited to appear on Woman’s Hour (BBC Radio 4) and Everywoman (BBC World Service) to talk about her experience out there

Courtesy of Mirth Control Management Ltd