Johnny set for £500,000 deal

Johnny Vegas has signed an exclusive deal to develop his own comedy show with the BBC that could be worth up to £500,000

Vegas is teaming up with British film director Shane Meadows and writer Paul Fraser to develop and pilot a comedy series for BBC2, to be produced by Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights producer Mark Herbert.

They are currently using improvisatiion workshops to develop ideas for the six-part series.

BBC editor of comedy Kenton Allen said: "I am thrilled that Johnny has committed himself to the BBC and that Shane and Paul will be making their TV debut with us.

"They are both highly original and individual artists working at the peak of their creative powers. The combination of Johnny and Shane's exceptional talents is a truly awesome prospect."

Vegas said: "I like tea, Shane Meadows likes coffee, Mark Herbert's into honey and sugar in hot water and Paul Fraser has a flask but won't tell us what's in it, so creatively that's quite an explosive combination. I'm chuffed at the prospect of working with such established and original folk."

The programme will be developed as part of the BBC's Manchester comedy unit, that was only set up last week.

Vegas added: "I'm proud to spearhead any idea that focuses on Northern talent being given the space to develop their ideas in their natural comic environment."

Shane Meadows, whose films include TwentyFourSeven, added: "I've often contemplated making something for television and the opportunity to collaborate with somebody as talented as Johnny was too good to miss."

The title and format of the show are currently under wraps. But the pilot is expected to be shot this month, with a series pencilled in for production in the spring.

Published: 6 Nov 2003