With Russell Howard at the helm

Russell Howard could be set to front BBC Three’s first topical comedy show.

The Mock The Week star is to record a pilot episode of the programme – which has yet to be titled – this summer.

BBC Three controller Danny Cohen indicated Howard fitted his channels' drive to attract young audiences, saying: ’I'm thrilled that Russell Howard is going to be working with BBC Three. He's a huge talent, who already has a great following with young people.’

The pilot has been commissioned from Avalon Television and will be directed by Peter Orton, who has previously worked on Harry Hill's TV Burp and Al Murray's Happy Hour.

Howard has a proved fan base, with his debut live stand-up DVD having sold more than 140,000 copies since it was released in November, while Mock The Week regularly draws audiences of more than 5million.

Published: 8 May 2009