Drag queens to land a KO blow

TELLY chiefs are set to revive the classic game show It’s A Knockout.

And they are adding a wacky twist – drag queens – to ensure its return to TV is a big hit.

We can reveal the show will be back on screens after being commissioned by Channel 5.

It aired for 17 series on the BBC between 1966 and 1988.

And in 1999 Channel 5 brought the show back for two more series.

But telly bosses are confident it will be even more popular with viewers this time around.

A telly insider said: “There’s a real appetite for fun TV at the moment.

“Ninja Warrior UK has been a massive ratings hit. And family-friendly shows like Bake Off and Saturday Night Takeaway are doing better than shows like X Factor.

“It feels like the nation wants to see fun shows on the box and It’s A Knockout is just that.”

Show chiefs are currently in talks with a host of drag queen performers.

Our insider said: “The producers think getting drag queens involved will bring the show bang up to date and help attract a younger audience.

“They are already hiring and have some real talent in the bag already.”

Filming is expected to start early next year. JOANNE Froggatt has revealed it was tough playing a serial killer for her latest role… because she had to sing.

The actress, who starred as maid Anna on Downton Abbey, is playing killer Mary Ann Cotton in Dark Angel, which also stars Jonas Armstrong.

She said: “Singing is the worst thing ever. I literally want to cry if I have to sing in public. I find it really hard.

“I have a real thing about it. I’ve never sung solo on screen before. I was dubbed doing it in a drama called Nature Boy and I’ve sung in a group. But never on my own.

“I had two singing lessons just to manage to do this little ditty that Mary Ann can barely sing in tune. I was terrified of doing it but I think it actually turned out all right.”

Dark Angel begins tomorrow at 9pm on ITV.