Iannucci signs two-year BBC deal

The BBC has signed up comedy guru Armando Iannucci for an exclusive two-year dear, the corporation confirmed today.

Best known for his work as writer, producer, director and performer on the likes of Alan Partridge and The Day Today, Iannucci has been given a broad brief.

A BBC spokesman said: "As well as working on his trademark contemporary political comedy, Armando will be given the creative freedom and space to develop ideas that include comedy but could also stray into other programme areas, including current affairs and arts for BBCs 1, 2, 3 and 4. "

Iannucci will write and present some programmes while working behind the scenes on others.

He said: "I'm more thrilled than I can possibly say to be part of an unstoppable digital empire.

"Although I'm going to concentrate on new comedy projects, I'm also keen to come up with fresh ways of developing politics and the arts, particularly music, on television.

"It's the freedom the BBC has given me to mix different genres together that's been particularly trouser watering."

BBC executive Alan Yentob added: "Armando is a begetter of a raft of comic creations on radio and TV. He is a brilliant producer, a great innovator, no mean presenter and a champion of new talent. "

As well as his collaborations with Chris Morris and Steve Coogan, Iannucci wrote and presented three series of Friday Night Armistice for BBC2.

Published: 29 Mar 2004