Michael's new series stands up to be counted
Not so long ago, it seemed like Michael McIntyre was hardly off our screens or out of the public eye.
In fact, said demand was so big in 2012 that he was named the world's biggest selling comedian after playing to over 700,000 people, including thousands during a record-breaking 10 nights at the capital's O2 Arena and raking in around £21million.
Last year, McIntyre took a break from TV and was out on the road again with his fourth stand-up tour, entitled Happy & Glorious.
However, on Christmas Day, he roared back onto our screens with Michael McIntyre's Big Christmas Show, which was recorded in front of a live audience in the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane in London.
The show in which he was joined by the likes of Dara O'Briain, Dame Edna Everage, Paul Zerdin, Sir Tom Jones and Ellie Goulding, went down a treat and led to this new series being commissioned.
And with the comedian's track record for making people laugh, it was an easy decision for the likes of Alan Tyler, Controller of BBC Entertainment Commissioning.
“Michael McIntyre is a born entertainer," he says.
"Not only is he one of the funniest comedians in the country but he is also terrific with members of the audience. Combining those skills in an allnew show is a real treat.”
Michael McIntyre's Big Show (Saturday, BBC1, 7pm) sees the excitable comedian, who unbelievably turned 40 back in February, host more evenings of star-studded variety entertainment, at that same venue, the Theatre Royal.
For the next six weeks, he will introduce sets by his fellow stand-up comrades, musical performances, dance revues and various other hijinks.
McIntyre is delighted to be back on the box, although we get the impression he's not too inspired by the show's title.
“I'm thrilled to be back on BBC One with my new big show which, after several lengthy meetings, we've called 'Michael McIntyre's Big Show'," he jokes.
"There will be big laughs, big stars and big surprises. I'm so excited to be making an entertainment show for the whole family to enjoy together on Saturday night (or alone in the week on iPlayer, whatever suits!). "I can't wait to get started!” Michael begins his run by inviting R&B star Tinie Tempah, who is set to release his eagerly anticipated third album this year, to perform.