Russell Brand has signed up to front a new topical late night TV series.
The stand-up comic-and-actor has agreed a deal with American cable network FX to present the series on which Russell will give his "unvarnished, unfiltered take on current events, politics and pop culture".
In a statement, FX executive vice-president of original programming Nick Grad said: "We’re very excited to add Russell Brand’s bracingly funny, original, and honest voice to the FX comedy line-up.
"We look forward to supporting Russell and his partner Troy Miller’s ambition to strip down the hosted comedy format to its most fundamental elements and to create something daring and unfiltered for the FX audience."
The 36-year-old star – who is married to Katy Perry – claims he is "excited" to the "point of climax" about the project, which will hit screens next spring.
Making a joke about Fox News political commentator Bill O’Reilly, Russell exclaimed: "I am so excited I’m on the point of climax. In fact, I will put the ‘O’ into FX, which spells Fox, which is actually the channel’s real name. That’s the only thing that worries me about all this, to be honest. At least I’ll be able to have a Christmas drink with Bill O’Reilly."
Six 30-minute episodes of the series have been commissioned and it will be filmed in front of a live studio audience who will be expected to interact with Russell and participate in the show.
It will be produced by FX Productions in association with the ‘Arthur’ star’s Branded Films and Dakota Films.