That's what he's developing for Sky

Russell Howard is set to host his own chat show.

Provisionally titled The Russell Howard Hour, the interview and stand-up series is due to air this autumn on Sky 1.

A non-broadcast pilot was shot in December with guests Neil Morrissey, who played Howard's father in the TV film A Gert Lush Christmas, neuroscientist Dr Hannah Critchlow and band The Wholls.

Sky announced a two-year deal with Howard back in November, when the 14-part series was described only as an 'entertainment show'. At the time, Howard said: ‘I am delighted to be making this new show for Sky. It’s obviously the best part of a year away but I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in.'

This week a spokesman for the broadcaster told Chortle that 'the format is still developing' ahead of the show airing later in the year.

Howard has recently returned from Liberia, where he was filming for Comic Relief, and is currently trying out material for his world tour, which begins next month in Dublin. It was announced this week that it would include a date in China.

He is currently one of the main faces of Comedy Central, thanks to Stand-Up Central, the travelogue Russell Howard & Mum: USA Road Trip, previous reruns of Russell Howard's Good News and his stand-up specials.

Howard is just the latest big-name comedian to land his own chat show. Earlier this month it was announced that In Conversation With John Bishop has been recommissioned for two more series on W, while Howard was one of the first guests on The Tommy Tiernan Show on Ireland's RTE.

The pilot,  produced by Avalon Television, was shot in front of a live studio audience and directed by Good News and Stand Up Central helmer Peter Orton.

- by Jay Richardson

Published: 27 Jan 2017