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´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 5 Live's Men's Hour has been recommissioned for a longer series of programmes in Spring 2011 and a one-off Christmas 2010 special.

Hosted by award-winning presenter and journalist Tim Samuels, Men's Hour launched in July pledging to delve into unchartered emotional territory for men, giving them a platform to air their feelings amidst the robust debate and discussion.

Billed as Women's Hour's cheeky younger brother, the show featured a wealth of interesting and challenging interviews, including soldiers who couldn't face going back to the frontline, features on how to survive in prison, long-distance dads, online dating, office meltdowns, the realities of having a newborn baby, ageing and hair hypochondria.

Contributors and interviewees included: Louie Spence, Andy McNab, Mark Ronson, Wayne Hemingway, Martin Freeman, Dave Lee Travis, Gary Crowley, Rod Liddle, Ivor Baddiel, Neil Morrissey, Head Boy at Eton, and Tim's therapist.

There was scepticism that the programme could appeal to both men and women ahead of its launch, however during its run Men's Hour built support from female commentators.

Daily Mail columnist Jan Moir said: "There were things on it that really made me laugh. It's always interesting to hear men talking about men. Any show which can get Andy McNab, Rod Liddle, and Louie Spence in the same room talking about things which interest them is really worth listening to."

Whilst the Telegraph's radio critic Gillian Reynolds said: "I've warmed to it... I love 60 Second Hypochondria, I think that's really good. I think Dr Mark is terrific. That's something that could run and run."

Tim Samuels said: "We've had an amazing array of blokes opening up on a vast range of subjects - from life-changing experiences to the most peculiar examples of hypochondria. The alchemy of guests, topics and tone has really given us something to build on when we come back. Give us 64 years and Men's Hour might just become the new Woman's Hour."

Producer Jon Holmes added: "Men's Hour has popped its radio cherry, sped through puberty in six weeks and looks forward to spending its teenage years furtively hanging around the schedules of 5 Live when we return."

Radio 5 Live Commissioning Editor, Jonathan Wall, said: "Men's Hour wasn't going to join Woman's Hour as a national broadcasting institution within six programmes! But I do think Tim and the team have provided some intelligent, thought provoking and entertainingly honest discussion which has convinced us to commit to a longer series next year. I am delighted that some of the critics, who thought it was just a PR stunt, appear to have been won over by the quality of the live discussion and the open and frank views of the contributors."

You can listen to ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 5 Live and ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 5 Live Sports Extra via DAB radio, online at bbc.co.uk/5live, or via digital Freeview, Sky, Freesat, Virgin Media and 909 & 693AM.

Notes to Editors

Men's Hour with Tim Samuels will recommence on Radio 5 Live at Christmas for a one off show and a new run of programmes in Spring 2011. Men's Hour is produced for 5 Live by Tonic Productions in association with Fresh One.

DL