Matt Lucas is heading back to the small screen in a new live comedy programme called Chat Show Roulette.

The Little Britain star has already tried out the show - in which famous comedians improvise as fictional chat show guests - in a theatre tour, and now the format has been snapped up by ITV, The Sun reported.

The comedians are only told the details of their character just before the interview starts, and must then make up answers to suit their character on the spot, during the live show.

Matt and The Thick Of It star Rebecca Front have signed up to play guests in the pilot, and comedian Justin Edwards will host the show.

Matt worked with Julia Davis and Katy Brand on the stage version and is involved behind the scenes, making the show with his company, John Stanley Productions.

Pilots for Chat Show Roulette are being staged in front of a live studio audience in London next week.