Paddy Raff is set to host a new comedy panel series for BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster, putting public opinion at the heart of every episode.
The new commission, Hot Takes, follows a standalone pilot episode last year. It comes from Belfast based independent production company Nice One Productions and offers a twist on the traditional panel show format.
People across Northern Ireland are asked for their views on a wide range of entertaining topics.
Rather than relying purely on studio debate, the series is built around specially commissioned surveys, with panellists challenged to predict what the public really thinks before the results are revealed.
Joining Paddy throughout the series will be regular panellists Emer Maguire and Michael Fry, who will go head-to-head in a battle of wits as they try to second guess opinion across Northern Ireland.
Each episode will also feature celebrity guests joining Emer and Michael’s teams, adding extra pressure as they attempt to forecast how survey respondents answered questions created exclusively for the programme.
The surveys are conducted by Belfast based polling company Lucid Talk, ensuring the results reflect real attitudes from communities across Northern Ireland and give the show its distinctive edge.
As host, Paddy Raff will guide the discussion, manage disagreements and navigate the moments where confident predictions clash with the reality of public opinion.
Paddy says: “The show is basically one of those arguments you have with your mates in the canteen or pub when somebody drops their hot take about dating or taxi drivers, or dating taxi drivers.
“The show provides a safe space to share and debate those hot takes without worrying about ruining the birthday party again.”
Hot Takes was first tested as a stand-alone pilot on BBC Radio Ulster in February of last year, before being commissioned as a full six-part series.
Special guest panellists across the run will include former professional boxer Carl Frampton MBE, Chaser star Darragh Ennis and Traitors finalist Diane Carson.
Chris Jones, Managing Director of Nice One Productions, says: “We’re absolutely delighted to be working with BBC Radio Ulster on our first comedy panel series. The format allows us to celebrate Northern Ireland’s unique voice while delivering big laughs from Paddy, Emer and Michael.”
The series will be recorded in front of a studio audience at the Crescent Arts Centre in Belfast, with recordings taking place from Thursday 29 January to Saturday 31 January. The new run will then launch on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster in February.
