Bill Bailey to host Ingenious, a new Channel 4 competition celebrating British invention

Channel 4 today announces Ingenious, a new four-part feel-good competition series from Curve Wales, hosted by comedian, musician and lifelong enthusiast for clever contraptions Bill Bailey.

Celebrating Britain’s proud tradition of tinkering, and the nation’s fondness for innovation Ingenious brings together creative amateur inventors from across the UK. Emerging from garden sheds and garages, kitchen tables and spare rooms, these practical‑minded inventors build clever contraptions designed to solve everyday problems that make life better.

Over four episodes, contestants compete in a range of imaginative invention challenges that put their creativity, resourcefulness and mechanical know‑how to the test, all in pursuit of being crowned Britain’s best home inventor.

Ingenious is set in a large, light industrial space reflecting industrial history, providing the backdrop for ambitious builds and bold ideas.

Bill Bailey said, “I’m thrilled to be hosting Ingenious, a brand-new show that celebrates Britain’s shed-born brilliance, in a collision between practical problem-solving and creative innovation. Watching these inventors solve everyday frustrations with clever contraptions is exactly my kind of fun.”

Clemency Green, Senior Commissioning Editor at Channel 4, said, “We are delighted to commission this warm, entertaining competition format from Curve Wales. With the brilliant Bill Bailey leading proceedings, Ingenious celebrates the people who can fix, build and improve just about anything, and the distinctive British ingenuity that finds practical answers to everyday challenges.”

Camilla Lewis, CEO and Executive Producer at Curve Media, said, “Britain has always been a Nation of Inventors and its fantastic to be able to celebrate amazing homegrown ingenuity – Who could be better than Bill Bailey to be the ringmaster! Thank you Channel 4 – what a joyous commission to make”.

Ingenious was commissioned for Channel 4 Lifestyle by Senior Commissioning Editor, Clemency Green with Jo Street, Director of Commissioning, Nations and Regions & Head of Lifestyle.

Executive Producers for Curve Media are Charlie Bunce, Ian Osprey, Rob Carey and Camilla Lewis. Series Director is Ed St Giles.