O2 cracks up at mobile entertainment

O2 is to host the UK's first interactive comedy show designed for mobile phones.

The operator has partnered with Virgin Radio breakfast show presenter Christian O'Connell and multi-platform content producer USP Content.

The comedy panel show, entitled If an Alien came to Earth, aims to reach a consensus on how best to represent planet Earth to a visitor from outer space, in this case an odd-looking creature with oven gloves for hands.

O'Connell will be joined for the pilot show by actors Alex Zane, Steve Bunce and Iain Lee, who will answer questions ranging from the serious to the ridiculous.

O2 hopes that the show will bring entertainment to people wherever they are, be it on the bus, at the pub or even at home.

The show features an interactive forum allowing viewers to express opinions on the topics raised, and offer suggestions for future discussions.

"Programmes like Have I Got News for You and Never Mind the Buzzcocks have proved extremely popular on TV," said Grahame Riddell, head of content at O2 UK.

"We are now taking this format to the mobile phone with a specially tailored show which we are sure will be popular with our customers."

Each segment is two minutes long and will also be available to view exclusively online on O2 mobile.

The first question to be answered by the panel is: 'If an Alien came to Earth, what cheese would you recommend?'

"This project highlights the increasing need for bespoke made-for-mobile content and If an Alien Came to Earth is a superb example of what we can achieve on the small screen," said Dominic Smales, managing director at USP Content.