Deal with major TV producer

The writer, who also co-created Father Ted and Black Books, has signed a deal with Fremantle Media to work on shows for their production company, Talkback Thames.

He is the first to benefit from a new £28million talent fund set up by Fremantle.

Linehan said he was ‘delighted’ at the opportunity to use his company, which has yet to be named, to work with other writers and comedians.

He joked: ‘Because I have no idea what I'm doing, it'll be very useful to have people of their expertise around when something goes wrong.

‘And when things go badly wrong, I feel secure in the knowledge that they'll be there to take the blame."

He added: ‘I Writers too often start off with the feeling that people are going to interfere with their scripts, but as a fellow writer I hope I can offer them advice.’

Talkback’s chief executive Lorraine Heggessey said: ‘It is a real coup to have such high-profile talent in comedy join forces with Talkback Thames. The talent fund will help us to expand our business and, working with established talent will ensure we broaden our creative base.’

Published: 1 Nov 2007