...and Breaking The News returns to TV

Iain Stirling is to kick off the new BBC Scotland channel when it launches on February 24.

The comic will front a one-off live show from the Theatre Royal in Glasgow on the opening night, featuring a line-up of Scottish comedians and musicians yet to be announced.

Meanwhile, topical panel show Breaking The News has been picked up for more TV episodes north of the border, Chortle can reveal.

Already a well-established radio show, hosted by Des Clarke, a TV incarnation was piloted late last year and now  it looks set to be part of the launch schedule, with new recordings lined up in Glasgow and Johnstone in Renfrewshire.

Stand-up showcase Comedy Underground and Robert Florence’s satirical show The State Of It have previously been announced for BBC Scotland, and were also commissioned following the Funny Firsts season on pilots in November.

The Night At The Theatre gala is being made by Hungry Bear Media, the company behind All Round to Mrs Brown’s and Michael McIntyre’s Big Show.

Gavin Smith, BBC Scotland’s commissioning executive, said: ‘We’re thrilled that Iain will be hosting this entertainment extravaganza to kick off our new channel. We want it to bring the fun, warmth and feel-good factor of a big comedy night out at the theatre to living rooms across Scotland.’

Stirling added: ‘I spend too much time in London so it’ll just be nice to film a TV show where I can speak at a normal pace.’

The launch night of BBC Scotland will also feature the first episode of the ninth and final series of Still Game. Co-creator Greg Hemphill has said: ‘Jack and Victor are a bottle being smashed on the bow of a beautiful ship.’

Published: 4 Feb 2019