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BBC3 launches 'new look'

22/01/2008

A 'new look' BBC3 has been unveiled by Danny Cohen, the digital channel's controller.

The channel's programming has been severely criticised by BBC luminaries, with the Today programme's John Humphrys attacking the corporation's bosses for implementing sweeping budget cuts and redundancies in the news and current affairs departments while BBC3's expensive output includes shows such as Fat Kids Can't Hunt and F**k Off, I'm Ginger.

As part of the revamp, all of the channel's programmes are to be simulcast on digital TV and online, with user-generated content playing an important role.

Four single dramas to air in the spring have been confirmed, with the futuristic Phoo Action staring Jamie Winstone and penned by Gorillaz and Tank Girl artist Jamie Hewlett.

Sixth form thriller The Things I Haven't Told You, Being Human - featuring a vampire, werewolf and a ghost sharing a house - and Mrs In-Betweeny, about a pre-op transsexual, will compete with Phoo Action to be made into a series for the following year.

Also debuting on the channel will be the acclaimed ABC drama Ghost and the eagerly-awaited second season of Heroes.

Cohen said: "I'm delighted to announce BBC3's fantastic line-up of new programmes, along with our innovative and exciting approach to television for young audiences. BBC3 is aiming to become Britain's most ambitious multi-platform network – combining television and the web into a single, integrated offering."

He added: "At BBC3 we should be known for pioneering risk, and be obsessed with all things new – new talent, new programmes, and a new relationship between television and the internet."

The award-winning Gavin and Stacey returns for a second series, Cohen confirmed, while Lily Allen and Friends sees the singer presenting a chat show based around social networking.

Cohen, one of the youngest controllers working in television, has been parodied in the popular blog Secret Blog of a TV Controller (aged 33 and 3/4).

He added: "The thinking behind this re-brand of the channel is that we have, in effect, created a BBC3 world in which our content can move seamlessly between TV, online and mobile.

"We have a fantastic line-up of programmes and we are going to make them available wherever young people want them."