Carr leaves C4's Friday night show

Jimmy Carr is leaving The Friday Night Project.

XFM DJ Justin Lee Collins will replace the comedian as the show's main host when the new series returns in January.

Channel 4 is due to officially unveil a new look for the series on Wednesday, and will be using it as a stepping stone for a selection of new comedy talent.

It means the other presenters from the first series - Rob Rouse Sharon Horgan, Lucy Montgomery and Abi Titmuss - will not return either.

The new line-up will include Alan Carr, although no other hosts have yet been confirmed.

Although critically slated, the show’s mix of comedy, bands and celebrity guest presenter attracted respectable audiences of around 1.5 million when it aired earlier this year

Collins, right, himself a former stand-up, has previously hosted Channel 4’s Flipside TV and has an exclusive deal to work with the station on other projects.

He said: ' I am very excited about working for what i believe is still one of the most exciting and innovative television channels in the land and I hope perhaps one day I get to share the lift with Sarah Beeny or that Kirstie Allsop. Good times '

Published: 31 Oct 2005