First step always the Hardy-est...

The BBC has announced 12 comedy pilot episodes – with Tom Hardy, Tim Vine and Charlotte Riley among the stars.

Three of the episodes will be on BBC1 as part of the Comedy Playhouse series which was revived in 2015 after running from 1961 to 1975 and spawning hits such as Steptoe and Son, Are You Being Served?, and Last of the Summer Wine.

BBC3 will show six new Comedy Slices, formerly known as Comedy Feeds.

The other three pilots will be on BBC2 under the New on Two banner.

BBC’s head of comedy Shane Allen says: “Our passion is to spot, nurture and provide a platform for the UK’s world-class comedic talent.”