'Catastrophe' Given Third & Fourth Series

Catastrophe has been given the go-ahead for a third and fourth series, Channel 4 has confirmed.

The comedy is written by Rob Delaney and Sharon Horgan. Both also star in the show.

The third series will consist of six 30-minute episodes and will go into production in November this year, ahead of a Channel 4 premiere in 2017.

Phil Clarke, Head of Comedy at Channel 4, said: "I am thrilled to commission a third and fourth series of the multi award-winning Catastrophe. It's a welcome return for the brave, razor edged, excruciatingly honest and painfully funny portrayal of a modern, long term relationship."

Sharon/Rob added: "We are thrilled to be making a third series of Catastrophe. Rob and Sharon are a blast to spend time with. And we're not talking about ourselves in the third person, we're talking about the characters. We're eager to breathe life back into Rob and Sharon. Okay, now we are talking about us. In the first series Rob and Sharon went through a lot (us) and even more in the second series (back to the characters). We're looking forward to putting Rob and Sharon (both us and the characters) through further pain for your enjoyment (now we're talking about you)."

Jon Thoday, Joint MD of Avalon Television, commented: "I'm delighted we're bringing the show back for a third and fourth series with Channel 4, whose initial vision and immediate support of this exciting show has been exceptional."

Catastrophe was commissioned by Phil Clarke and Nerys Evans for Channel 4. The series is directed by Ben Taylor and produced by Jack Bayles. The Executive Producers are Richard Allen-Turner, Kara Baker, Rob Delaney, Sharon Horgan and Jon Thoday. The show is an Avalon Television production, with co-producers Birdbath Productions and Merman.

www.channel4.com

(JP/LM)