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A-ha! Rosenstock to enter the chatosphere

'Gift Grub' star in talks to host new 'Alan Partridge'-style TV show on RTé

Ken Sweeney, Entertainment Editor

Can I have a second series?: the new show will be a cross between Alan Partridge (above) and Mrs Merton

Mrs Merton

Rising stock: Mario Rosenstock at his Today FM desk

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Comedian Mario Rosenstock could be about to combine his popular Gift Grub slots on Today FM with his own television show for RTé.

The Sunday Tribune has learned the talented mimic is in negotiations to star in an Alan Partidge/Mrs Merton-type chat show for the national broadcaster for which he will assume an alter-ego.

Speaking to the Sunday Tribune this weekend, Rosenstock (38) said: "We're going to shoot a pilot in the summer. I'd describe it as a cross between BBC's Knowing Me, Knowing You, The Mrs Merton Show and RTé's Questions and Answers."

Although Rosenstock will be in character for the role, guests on the new chat show will be real, and are expected to include Irish politicians and political journalists discussing the events of the week.

"The idea is to have my character in front of a live audience, interviewing a selection of invited guests. It's all very much in the early stages at the moment but I know the time slot being talked about is Thursday nights at 10.10pm on RTé One," said Rosenstock.

Irish production company Screenworks first approached Rosenstock with the idea for the series, which he won't be scripting. An RTé source said this weekend that Rosenstock's popularity on Today's FM's Gift Grub slot, which celebrated its 10th birthday this month, ensured any pilot with his name attached would be given careful consideration by the state broadcaster.

"There are only so many comedians or actors in Ireland who would have the profile to be able to pull this off," the source said. "Mario Rosenstock is top of that list. Not only has he a huge audience for Gift Grub on Today FM, he's had a number one comedy album every Christmas for the last 10 years. That fan base of listeners and buyers could be turned into viewers for any TV show in which Mario stars," the source said. Rosenstock said any future relationship he might have with RTé would not jeopardise his role with Today FM.

"The next step remains Today FM," he said, "but I don't mind being involved in other projects, my own or, in this case, other people's. I'm hoping we can come up with something the public really likes."