Radio 4 has ordered a comedy series from Room Next Door comedian, Michael Spicer, following the success of a pilot episode.

The semi-autobiographical sitcom, Before Next Year, is about what happens when a part-time comedian suddenly becomes a global internet hit.

When it airs in early 2021, the series will pick up where the pilot episode left off, with Michael desperately hoping to quit his day job as a copywriter for a kitchen worktop company to follow a career in comedy, as his wife tries to push her anxiety-ridden husband forward. 

Spicer – whose adviser-in-the-ear sketches have amassed more than 50 million views in the past 12 months –  said: ‘This show is hugely important to me as it’s about the unorthodox route to becoming famous. 

‘It’s a look at what happens when a largely unsuccessful comedian riddled with anxieties (me) copes when he starts appearing on chat shows and attending award ceremonies. 

‘The last year of my life has been incredible, chaotic, surreal and peppered with moments of hysteria. I hope that’s what the series will be too.’

Producer Matt Tiller  added: ‘After many years of developing ideas with Michael that never quite made it, it’s so exciting to think the hard work is paying off.’

The show is made by the production company Starstruck whose create director James Delow said the commission was ‘a  proud moment for us and incredibly exciting’.

Before Next Door’s pilot episode is still available on BBC Sounds and our four-star review is here.