ABC TV is set to begin production on a new comedy quiz show, Tractor Monkeys, hosted by comedian Merrick Watts.
The eight-part series will pit two teams, led by comedian Dave O’Neil and radio host Katie “Monty” Dimond, against each other as they answer questions and games inspired by ABC TV’s archive vault.
“I'm genuinely excited to be hosting this show for the ABC,” Watts said in a statement. “Aunty's film vaults are an endless source of comedy gold that I can't wait to unlock.”
ABC TV’s head of entertainment Jennifer Collins said: “With Merrick at the wheel, Tractor Monkeys promises a fast and chaotic ride through the bizarre, wonderful and at times disturbing trends, fads and social phenomena that have shaped us all”.
Tractor Monkeys starts filming in Sydney mid-November (to be part of the studio audience visit abc.net.au/tractormonkeys from October 30) and will screen in 2013 on ABC1.
Meanwhile, the producers of ABC1 prime-time documentary series Jillaroo School are looking for everyday Australians who would like to take part in a four-week training course with a legendary horse-master and learn to be a jillaroo.
The South Australian-set 6 x 30 minute series will follow the journeys of the women selected, who will be trained by horse master Bill Willoughby who has trained jackeroos and jillaroos all his life. For more information go to www.abc.net.au/tv/programs/jillaroo.htm.