Norton to host 'discussion' show

Norton signed an exclusive deal with the BBC in 2003

Irish TV presenter Graham Norton is to host a new "comedy discussion" show on BBC One called The Bigger Picture, the corporation has confirmed.

The programme - which the BBC stressed was not a talk show - will run on a weekday night in the slot immediately following the 10 O'clock News.

The show will feature media experts and pundits discussing topical events.

Exact scheduling details have yet to be confirmed, although it will air from August onwards.

Norton signed a two-and-a-half year deal with the BBC in December 2003 to develop ideas for Saturday night TV.

The Irish presenter co-hosted Comic Relief in March and presented the Bafta TV awards in April.

To date, however, his only regular appearances have been as presenter of talent show Strictly Dance Fever.

More than six million viewers tuned in to see Saturday's finale, which saw contestants Joseph Hall and Sadie Flower win the £50,000 first prize.

The Bigger Picture forms part of the BBC's first-look deal with Norton's So Television production company.

The company's other productions include The Joan Rivers Position on Five.