Russell Kane survives with only his smart phone for BBC Three and BBC Worldwide

BBC Three and BBC Worldwide have commissioned a brand new series from Objective and Kalel Productions.

Stupid Man, Smart Phone will see Russell Kane joined by a different online star every week. Convinced that, even though they have no survival skills or knowledge of the local language or customs, they can be dropped anywhere in the world and survive with only their mobile phone for help.

From the Arctic Circle with Rose and Rosie to the arid African landscape with Arron Crascall, Russell and his fellow social media stars will need all the internet help they can get.

Russell Kane said: “In life, I independently Googled my way from council estate to degree in English - and the internet’s about to save my soul again. It’ll keep me warm. It’ll teach me to hunt and survive. Plus, I’m taking along online superstars who can access millions of knowledgeable followers! Okay, maybe SOME of their followers are 12-yr old girls, but still, I intend to WIN and outsmart nature."

A co-production from Kalel Productions and the newly created Objective Factual Entertainment label, the series will be executive produced by Hannah Demidowicz, Commissioning Editor for BBC Brit; Ed Sleeman, Commissioning Editor for BBC Entertainment and Nick Parnes, CEO Kalel Productions, who said: “Mashing the comedy and survival genres feels really different, and marrying a traditional TV comedian with different social media superstars every week in completely diverse, dangerous environments is a new concept, too…We’re breaking new ground over here! I hope it works and their phone brings them home safely.”

Damian Kavanagh, Controller BBC Three, “Stupid Man, Smart Phone joins a raft of other innovative and distinctive new shows on BBC Three. BBC Three is and always will be the home of original British comedy.”

Ed Sleeman, Commissioning Editor, BBC Entertainment added: “Stupid Man, Smart Phone might once and for all discover just how far our smartphones can take us as humans, but unfortunately the phones will be in the hands of brilliant comedian Russell Kane and a host of internet stars and so it probably won’t. But we will certainly discover just how funny it is to give it a go!”

Hannah Demidowicz, Commissioning Editor for BBC Brit said: “This is a perfect fit for BBC Brit, an innovative take on the survival genre and a compelling combination of wit and intelligence that will resonate with audiences worldwide. It’s a great example of the type of programming we are looking to commission for our global channels with charismatic talent at the heart, clever formatting and strong visual storytelling.”