Filming of SBS's 10-part comedy entertainment series Room 101 adapted from a BBC hit show has started in Sydney.
Produced by Matchbox Pictures (The Slap, Devil’s Playground), the series is hosted by accomplished writer, performer, and television presenter Paul McDermott, and will be his first major television role since Good News Week.
Room 101 will present a refreshing approach to the celebrity interview, by inviting guests to discuss what really gets under their skin and persuade Paul to consign their pet hates to oblivion in Room 101, named after the place in George Orwell’s landmark novel 1984. This series will allow Paul to draw unique insights from a strong mix of familiar Australian faces, uncovering new facets of their personalities and lives.
SBS Director of Television Tony Iffland said: “We have wanted to launch a new entertainment series on SBS ONE for some time and Room 101 is the perfect mix of comedy, topicality and irreverence to kick start our new year of programing. We know this format is a success, it is an established hit in the UK, and we are excited to introduce Australian audiences to the series with Paul McDermott at the helm. I look forward to seeing Paul’s sharp wit and creativity at work, as he uncovers just what winds up the country’s biggest personalities.”
Room 101 has been one of the BBC’s stalwart comedy shows since it first aired in 1994. There have been 13 series to date and it is still on air today on BBC One.
Kylie Washington, Director Unscripted Television at Matchbox Pictures said: “Room 101 has been a comedy stalwart in the UK for 20 years and Matchbox is thrilled to be bringing it to Australia. Paul McDermott is one of the country's best loved and revered comedians – the perfect choice to decide if the nation's celebrities will have their pet hates banished to the hellish vault of room 101.”
The series is filming at SBS studios in Sydney. Celebrity guests will be revealed in the coming weeks and Room 101 will screen on SBS ONE in 2015.