Channel 4 has planned a ‘black takeover day’ - starting with a one-off episode of The Big Breakfast

The ‘black takeover day’ is set to air a year after the killing of George Floyd which sparked global protests, Channel 4 disclosed. (Channel 4)
The ‘black takeover day’ is set to air a year after the killing of George Floyd which sparked global protests, Channel 4 disclosed. (Channel 4)
The ‘black takeover day’ is set to air a year after the killing of George Floyd which sparked global protests, Channel 4 disclosed. (Channel 4)

Channel 4 has announced a ‘black takeover day’ to showcase black talent in a bid to “push for greater on- and off-screen representation.”

The channel has also enlisted the help of The Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity to help make lasting changes to the station.

Who will feature in the ‘black takeover’?

Launching the takeover will be Comedian Mo Gilligan, who will present The Big Breakfast with a one-off special, nearly 30 years on from the launch of the show.

Mo Gilligan spoke of his excitement for the day, saying, “Like so many of us, I loved The Big Breakfast and I am so grateful to be asked to host this special event, particularly as part of such a hugely thrilling and history making day for British television.”

The Channel’s most popular factual shows, such as Celebrity Gogglebox, Countdown and Channel 4 News, are also all set to feature a range of all-black talent. A new, unscripted, prime-time series “providing an authentic look at black lives” has also been promised.

Meanwhile, the popular soap opera Hollyoaks will air as one-hour special fully “written, directed and performed by black talent.”

In addition to its range of scripted shows, Channel 4 will also launch a black-led comedy series.

When will the ‘black takeover day’ air?

The ‘black takeover day’ is set to air a year after the killing of George Floyd which sparked global protests, Channel 4 disclosed. Mr Floyd was killed by a white police officer on 25 May 2020.

Speaking about the programming, Ian Katz, director of programmes, said, “Channel 4 was created to give voice to underrepresented parts of society and do things which other broadcasters would not, and the Black Takeover qualifies on both counts.

“It will be much more than a day of eye-catching programming, providing a focal point for our efforts to drive up on and off screen representation and leaving a lasting legacy on the channel and beyond.”

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