Celebrities have been able to fulfil some of their childhood ambitions thanks to a television production company.

Brighton-based Electric Sky is hoping its series First Love, for Sky, will become a massive hit both at home and abroad.

Each week it will feature a famous name from the world of comedy, radio, TV or journalism who will try to re-learn long-forgotten skills from childhood.

They will work with a professional mentor before showing what they have learnt in front of a live audience.

Among those appearing are Sussex-based ITV newsreader Katie Derham, who tries her hand at classical violin, Lenny Henry, who eventually fronts a soul band at London’s famous Jazz Café and DJ Mark Radcliffe, who has his first drum lesson at the age of 52.

He said: “I have always played the drums but it has been a case of hitting everything as hard as I could.

“At my age I can’t play like that any more and I have always dreamt of learning properly.”

Mark was mentored by Steve White, who has played with many big-name artists including Paul Weller, before joining Rufus Wainwright on stage at Manchester Apollo.

He said: “It was a real thrill and to be honest the applause was a bit overwhelming.”

Electric Sky produces 60 to 70 hours of television each year but this is the first time it has created such a celebrityheavy programme.

Chief executive David Pounds said: “We are really excited about the series. It is great to watch these wellknown celebrities get out of their comfort zones and rediscover their musical passions.

“We also think it would make a fantastic international format so there could be First Love series all over the world.”

Mr Pounds said selling a format abroad could generate ten times the revenue brought in by the UK broadcast.

He said: “Selling formats abroad is absolutely vital.”

Post-production for the series was carried out by Brighton-based BTV Post.

First Love is on Sky Arts 1 on Wednesdays at 8pm, starting tomorrow.