The stars of the capital’s new TV station London Live were showcased at a West End party to celebrate its forthcoming launch.
More than 500 leading figures from TV, public relations and advertising were at One Embankment last night as the countdown continued to the first launch of a major channel since Channel 5 in 1997.
Evgeny Lebedev, the proprietor of the Evening Standard and Independent who is financially backing the new channel, tweeted that it was “wonderful” to meet the range of new talent recruited by London Live.
Supported by launch sponsor Studio Line from L’Oreal, the evening featured appearances by the stars of London Live shows including Drag Queens Of London, Food Junkies, F2 Kicks Off and comedian Alex Zane. Singer Charlie Hides delivered a show-stopping set.
Zane, whose Funny Rotten Scoundrels show can be seen on London Live’s launch night next Monday, said: “I just love them [London Live] because they’re so enthusiastic and really supportive of new comedy.”
Jonathan Boseley, head of programming, said: “What was brilliant about the event was that we’ve spent so much time working up a channel, then it hits you that it’s truly real.”
