The New Series Of Robot Wars Is Going To Have A Distinctly Irish Feel To It

A couple of weeks ago we brought you the news that legendary BBC series Robot Wars would be making a return to our screens later this year, for six brand new, hour-long episodes.

Matilda. Shunt. Sir Killalot. The whole shebang. And though initially hopeful famed presenter Craig Charles would make his rhyme-rigged return to robotics, it just wasn't to be.

However, in Charles' stead will stand Irish comedian and presenter Dara Ó Briain, alongside RTÉ and BBC broadcaster-journalist Angela Scanlon. It's a more-than-decent consolation prize, particularly for Irish fans of the show.

Speaking of his joy at being appointed host, Ó Briain said:

For too long, the schedules have cried out for a show in which dedicated amateurs toiling day and night, handcraft sophisticated automatons built on the delicate interplay of hand-wired servo motors with custom-built circuit boards and fingertip motion control, just to see them get smashed to pieces by a dustbin carrying a massive hammer. It's war, and how I love it so.

The 43-year-old comedian from Bray also paid tribute to his predecessor, Charles, while getting to work on his new catchphrase for the show. It could probably use a little more work, truth be told...

One thing clear from the Robot Wars response: lots of happy memories (mine too) of the job @CCfunkandsoul did.

— Dara Ó Briain (@daraobriain) February 3, 2016

I knew he tussled with that for some time, but felt he was representing more than just himself. https://t.co/slhIfOLVWF

— Dara Ó Briain (@daraobriain) February 3, 2016

Heeeeeerrrrreeesssss Some Rrrrroooobbbooootttsssss! (TM) https://t.co/VKcxlpL0A6

— Dara Ó Briain (@daraobriain) February 3, 2016

Catchphrase sorted. https://t.co/OjwXvaj5g5

— Dara Ó Briain (@daraobriain) February 3, 2016

Ó Briain's fellow host, Scanlon, who currently presents RTÉ's travel show Getaways, also spoke of her delight at taking the Robot Wars reigns:

I'm so excited to be joining such a legendary show that, after all this time, still manages to make people squeal with joy. I cannot wait to see the robots in all their metallic glory playfully destroying each other!

Dublin-born Scanlon also took to Twitter to confirm some crucial commentary-related news for die-hard fans of the show: