Massive US interest in Ali G

FIRST it was Britain now Ali G is taking on America. The self- styled leader of the Staines Massive, with his yellow tracksuit and wraparound shades, is on the verge of taking his hit Channel 4 show across the Atlantic.

Ali G's alter ego, Sacha Baron Cohen, 30, is in discussions with New Yorkbased cable network HBO to make a US version of Da Ali G Show, featuring the spoof gangster rapper.

So far his comic creation is known in America solely for his cameo appearance two years ago- as a limo driver in Madonna's video.

The comedian already stars in a movie, Ali G In Da House, which is due for release in the next few weeks, and has recorded a single Me Julie, on which he collaborates with the reggae star Shaggy.

A spokesman for Channel 4 confirmed today that it is close to signing a deal with HBO to buy the rights to broadcast the show.

Baron Cohen's agents refused to comment about the deal but a spokesman at Talkback Productions, makers of The Ali G Show, said: "All we can say is that we are in talks. As and when a deal is struck an announcement will be made."

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