Promotion for forthcoming Sky Atlantic comedy series This Is Jinsy, featuring a smattering of TVO regulars, has begun in earnest over at Sky Atlantic’s official website.

The show, written by and starring Chris Bran and Justin Chubb, began life as a BBC Three pilot last year – only for Auntie to turn down the chance to make a full series (it’s like Lifespam all over again!).  However, satellite broadcaster Sky Atlantic, who are part of BSkyB’s growing drive for original programming, picked up the show and have secured a stream of high-profile names to ensure the show launches with a big bang.

This Is Jinsy follows Arbiter Maven and Operative Sporall as they keep a close eye on the 791 colourful residents of Jinsy from the Great Tower in the parish of Veen.  Joining the cast as a series regular is TVO’s very own Alice Lowe as the wonderfully named Soosan Noop, whilst Janine Duvitski (One Foot In The Grave) and comedy legend Geoffrey McGivern (The Hitchhiker’s Guide…, Big Train etc) join the regulars as Mrs Goadian and Trince respectively.

You can see the trailer, which features a tiny tiny glimpse of Alice, courtesy of Chortle, below:

But that’s not all.  As Sky Atlantic’s first ever original comedy commission, the channel has pulled out all the stops to entice big name stars to make guest appearances in the eight part series, and the calibre of the guests surely demonstrates that …Jinsy is on track to be one of the most inventive and downright hilarious shows we’ve seen on telly in some time.

These include Harry Hill, who is pictured here in far too convincing drag as the sinister Joon Boolay, and former Doctor Who David Tennant as corrupt, camp wedding planner Mr Slightyman.  Tennant’s former Who companion, comedienne Catherine Tate (who also appeared in Big Train, Booshdom fans!) will appear as Roopina Crale, whilst Jane Horrocks, Simon Callow, The Actor Kevin Eldon, Peter Serafinowicz and Brian Murphy will also make guest appearances.

Rounding out the cast as are Marek Larwood, Nigel Planer, Don Warrington, KT Tunstall, Marcia Warren and our very own Colin Hoult as Seebry Mungerton, making this truly one to watch for all our peelers!

Directed by Psychoville and Little Britain director Matt Lipsey, and script-edited by comedienne Emma Kennedy, This Is Jinsy has benefited from an incredible calibre of cast and crew, and a broadcaster that nurtures and develops comic talent in a way that few have seen in recent years – as the lack of support many a pilot has received from other broadcasters only attests to.

Marking itself out as one to watch, TVO hopes to bring you more news from Jinsy very soon.  It airs on Sky Atlantic from September.

Our friends at Such Small Portions interviewed Emma Kennedy about the show earlier this month. Catch their interview here!