Channel 4 commission Tommy Cooper special

Channel 4 has commissioned a special documentary focusing on comedian Tommy Cooper.

Cooper died in 1984 while on stage at Her Majesty’s Theatre which was also being broadcast on live on the ITV network. The 90 minute special, which was announced by Channel 4’s Head of Comedy, Shane Allen, will feature unheard audio and unseen archive footage from his personal and professional life. The show will also feature a number of contributors who battled to save him following his heart attack live on stage.

The special programme is due to air later this year. Shane Allen said: “This is an in depth look into the emotional and professional workings of one of Britain’s most loved and admired comedians.” Googlebox Entertainment (a joint venture with Sony Pictures Television) and Noel Gay Television have been commissioned to produce the programme for Channel 4.