The stand-up comic Michael McIntyre will be taking a facilitative approach to comedy when he hosts six 45-minute chat shows for the BBC. One of the biggest ticket sellers on the live scene, the 37-year-old will add fresh competition to a format dominated by Jonathan Ross, Graham Norton and Alan Carr.

Michael McIntyreMichael McIntyre takes centre-stage once more

"From my very first conversation I remember thinking, 'This should be televised!' Well now the British Broadcasting Corporation has made my dream a reality. I am overwhelmingly excited about meeting and having fun with my favourite celebrated people on The Michael McIntyre Chat Show," explained the comedien.

Charlotte Moore, Controller of BBC One added: "Michael McIntyre is one of the country's leading comedians and I'm thrilled he will be bringing his own unique flavour to a brand new chat show for BBC One." The London-born funny-man, who was reported to be the highest grossing comedian in the world in 2012, has already hosted his own show, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, has featured in three episodes of Live at The Apollo and has judged on Britain’s Got Talent.

He has been married to Kitty - an aromatherapist and mother to his two sons – since 2003. Kitty is the daughter of actor Simon Ward and the sister of actress Sophie Ward. Macintyre’s father – Ray Cameron – was a comedian and wrote for Kenny Everett’s TV shows.

His three DVDs, Live and Laughing, Hello Wembley and Showtime, that have sold a combined total of over three million copies in the UK making him one of the country’s most sought-after names. No wonder the BBC were keen to tie him down to a 6-episode chat show.

The Michael McIntyre Chat Show is due to premiere in the spring.

Michael and Kitty McIntyreMichael and Kitty McIntyre an the Pride of Britain Awards 2013