The larger-than-life character, the creation of Consultants and Respectable star Justin Edwards, has been a hit at the Edinburgh Fringe, where it was nominated for a Perrier two years ago.

Now Edwards, with co-writer James Eldred, has created a sitcom based around Lion’s chaotic life, which will be shot in front of a studio audience next month.

The show will also feature Hyperdrive star Miranda Hart and Gus Brown – half of the Laurence and Gus double act, who appeared as Lion’s pianist and stooge during his stage show at London’s Menier Chocolate Factory last year.

Edwards said of the pilot episode: ‘There will be a large goose, some stunts, some "business" with trousers, and hopefully a joke involving goldfish, I can't give any more than that away.’

The show is being recorded at Granada’s Manchester studios at 6pm on July 18. For free tickets to the taping, call 0161 827 2070 or email audience.relations@itv.com.