With Katy Wix

Elis James and Katy Wix are to star in a new sitcom being piloted for Radio 2.

In Ankle Tag, James plays a new father whose dad Bob, suddenly comes back into his life, after being released from prison on licence during his sentence for fraud.

James should have some experience to bring to the role, as he, too, is a new father. The stand-up is increasingly turning to acting following lead roles in Crims and Josh for BBC Three

Ankle Tag has been written by Gareth Gwynn and Ben Partridge, who also wrote the BBC Radio Wales shows Passing On and Elis James's Pantheon of Heroes, which James also co-wrote.

It is one of a series of sitcoms being recorded as part of a showcase of new ideas for Radio 2.

Yesterday, we reported how Horrible Histories and Yonderland star Simon Farnaby is piloting another in the series, The Peterford Golf Club, which promises to 'do for golf clubs what Green Wing did for hospitals'.

And Robert Webb is to star in another, The Kings' Men, about the early days of the British Secret Service in the Great War.

This has been written by Arthur Mathews – co-creator of Father Ted, Toast of London – with Terry Mynott, of The Mimic. Minot also co-stars alongside Nick Mohammed, Ellie White, Ophelia Lovibond and Katy Wix again.

The plot involves two patriotic policemen, childhood friends who live in the same boarding house, who discover what they believed to be a German plot to invade The Isle of Sheppey. It turns out to be a child's treasure map, but they are nonetheless recruited as spies.

Meanwhile Jocelyn Jee Esien is also working on a new comedy show for Radio 4, titled It's Jocelyn.

The Little Miss Jocelyn star will be joined by Curtis Walker, Kevin J and her 3 Non Blondes co-star Ninia Benjamin for the new sketch show. A tryout in London next week includes new characters including the Overly Dramatic Family, a pair of terrible African drummers and a bad-tempered couple who run a takeaway business.

To be in the audience for any of the shows, visit our free tickets page.

Published: 6 Oct 2015