BBC Newcastle is to launch a new comedy programme for the North-East called It’s Grin Up North. Created by and hosted by comedian Steffen Peddie, the two-hour show, which starts on Friday, August 10, aims to give the audience ‘a whole lotta laughs’ with gags, sketches and interviews, as well as great music.

The show, also to be broadcast on BBC Tees, will keep the audience in the know about the local comedy scene with information on where and when they can see the national tours of top TV stars, as well as how they can see the stars of tomorrow in their own towns.

With over 25 years’ experience as a comedian, comedy writer, performer on children’s TV and in sitcoms - as well as being a professional wrestler and radio host - Steffen has a vast phonebook of comedy talent who will be appearing as guests in the Many Questions? segment.

“It’s great to have this opportunity to present such a ground breaking show for the BBC in the North-East," says Peddie. "It’s a real hotbed of talent and I’m convinced we can dig out some genuine comedy diamonds and give comics and writers a real chance to shine.”

Doug Morris, Managing Editor of BBC Newcastle, adds: “The show underlines the BBC’s commitment to developing and showcasing new comedy through writing workshops and stand up gigs, providing content for the new show and giving a home to new and upcoming comedy talent.”

As well as It’s Grin Up North, BBC Newcastle’s new evening schedule - which starts from Monday, August 6 - furthers the station’s commitment to new music with Nick Roberts featuring music from emerging artists every week night between 7pm and 8pm.

The 8-10pm slot on Monday nights will be like having a natter around the kitchen table with Sue’s Company, Tuesday nights shine a spotlight on Community Radio from right across the North-East with Mel Crawford from Pride Radio. On Wednesdays, BBC Newcastle will be asking people to Get Up Off Your Arts! in a provocative and surprising arts and culture show, and Thursdays will be all about the stories behind sport in the region with dancer and former Sunderland youth academy footballer Anthony Rutherford.