Harry Hill to return to ITV for new show
Harry Hill looks set to return to ITV.
The Radio Times reports that "the network's head of programmes has promised" that the comedian will return to the network "in some form". However, a revival of the ratings-winning TV Burp (pictured) has been ruled out.
ITV's Director of Television Peter Fincham has said that he is talking to Hill about comedy ideas and is reportedly "hopeful" of having an announcement soon.
Fincham commented: "He did a live tour, then he did a film, then he did the musical and we're now talking to him. I haven't got anything specific to say but I hope very soon we will have."
Speaking at a Broadcasting Press Guild lunch, the executive categorically ruled out a return to TV Burp, explaining "He finds it an exhausting thing to do. He wants to do something new."
TV Burp came to an end in April 2012, with Series 12 regularly attracting audiences of over 4 million. ITV wanted more episodes of the high rated show, however Hill declined to continue, explaining it was taking over his life. He told The Big Issue: "I was at home a lot because I was watching TV. I was there but not there. My wife could see the effect it was having on me. I was in a bad mood for six months of the year."
Harry Hill has had a turbulent twelve months career-wise. The Harry Hill Movie - released in December - received bad reviews. Meanwhile I Can't Sing, the comedy stage show musical based on the X-Factor which was co-written by the comedian, has closed earlier than planned due to poor ticket sales.
Hill's last new TV show was the one-off special Whatever Happened To Harry Hill? as part of Channel 4's Funny Fortnight in 2012. He continues to provide his voice to new episodes of You've Been Framed.
No further details are currently known about Hill's plans, however should he indeed make a new ITV pilot or series details will follow later in the year.
Below is the final minutes of TV Burp:
Last year, Hill masterminded a spoof of A-ha's classic 1980s music video Take On Me for Comic Relief: