Tracey Ullman has said she is “thrilled” the BBC has renewed her satirical sketch show for a second series following a “triumphant” first run.
The Slough-born comedian has enjoyed decades of success in the US.
She returned to UK television earlier this year with her six-part BBC One programme called Tracey Ullman’s Show.
Tracey Ullman (Richard Ansett/BBC)
Until then, it had been over 30 years since the actress, writer and singer was a regular on British TV.
Acclaimed by the critics, Tracey Ullman’s Show peaked in consolidated viewing to audiences of over four million.
A mix of celebrity impressions, sketches and song and dance, it also showcased Tracey’s gift for mimicry.
Tracey Ullman (BBC/Allan McKeown Presents)
Amusing segments included her portrayal of Dame Judi Dench as a troublemaker and her impression of Dame Maggie Smith’s attempts to broaden her range of work.
One of the funnier running gags saw Ullman depict German chancellor Angela Merkel as a self-aggrandising sex kitten.
Talking about the recommission, Tracey said: “It has been a pleasure being back at the BBC and I am thrilled to get the opportunity to write more shows with my brilliant team.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jwmluUYFC8&feature=oembed
“The warm reception from the British public has meant a lot to me personally. I want to thank them and let Dame Judi Dench and Chancellor Angela Merkel know I couldn’t have done it without you girls. Here’s to season two.”
Controller of BBC Comedy Commissioning Shane Allen hailed her as “an exceptional talent”.
“Tracey’s triumphant return to British television was a big hit with the audience,” he said.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNEfI6JnMJI&feature=oembed
“She’s such an exceptional talent at the top of her game. The new series will have plenty more surprises and finger on the pulse characters and impressions that hold a fairground mirror up to modern British society, politics and celebrity.”
Best known in the UK for 1980s BBC One sketch series Three Of A Kind, Tracey last appeared on the BBC in A Kick Up The Eighties.
The BBC Two series, which ran from 1981-1984, featured Robbie Coltrane and the late Rik Mayall.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc6XrS7LiMg&feature=oembed
Before emigrating to the US, Tracey starred in ITV sitcom Girls On Top in 1985 with Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders and Ruby Wax.
The 56-year-old later created The Tracey Ullman Show for the Fox network, winning several Emmy and Golden Globe awards.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gp4TBRawxSA&feature=oembed
The acclaimed programme famously spawned animated series The Simpsons, which started out as a series of one-minute shorts.
