Bill Bailey is to host a new comedy-based chat show to tie in with the British Comedy Awards.

In each episode of Comic’s Choice, Bailey will chat with a British A-list comedian about which comedy performers and shows they consider to be the greatest. They will pick favourites in categories mirroring the various awards, such as best sitcom and best male TV comic.

Producers say: ‘With other smaller, alternative categories and audience interaction thrown in, the show will be not just informative and entertaining – but fun, funny and memorable.’

The series, to be recorded next month, is part of Channel 4’s plans to revitalise the comedy awards, after poaching the ceremony from ITV after 20 years.

Jonathan Ross will continue to host the main awards, which will be moving from their traditional December home into January. The ceremony will also revert to a live broadcast.