The programme, which will go out as part of Colin Murray's Show, will chart Brand’s rise from his first open mic spot to national fame.

Brand himself will ask if it takes a certain personality to do stand-up comedy – ‘to live a lonely life on the road for the sake of a few laughs’.

A BBC spokesman added: ‘The programme also takes a look at those on the lower rungs – the open mic performers who take on one of the bravest professions in the world in the hopes of stardom. More often than not, they fail and have to get back on their feet and try it again.’

Among those expected to take part in the documentary, which has not yet been completed, are Tim Minchin, Russell Howard, Stewart Lee, Lucy Porter, Trevor Lock and Stephen Grant.

Producer Chris Cox said: ‘Russell is obviously a big draw as he's hugely recognisable as a star, but perhaps not so well known for the thing that he does best, stand-up.’

The show will go out at 10.30pm on January 24.