BBC show for ITV Digital monkey

The ITV Digital adverts made the monkey a star

The knitted monkey doll who became the star of ITV Digital's adverts has been given his own BBC variety show.

The one-off programme, called Watch With Monkey, will be shown on BBC One at a date yet to be scheduled.

It follows the monkey's appearance on the BBC's Comic Relief earlier this year, after ITV Digital closed in 2002.

"Since Monkey moved into his new home at Comic Relief he has been networking in preparation for this day," said the charity's chief executive Kevin Cahill.

BBC editor of comedy Kenton Allen said: "Since co-hosting Comic Relief, Monkey has been pestering the BBC to give him his own show.

"Frankly we've had enough. If this is a way to shut him up then we're prepared to give him a shot. But if he blows this I'll make sure he ends up in Gap as a scarf."

The show is described as "dancing, singing and even wrestling with the stars" as well as chat, and is regarded as a pilot.

The BBC also released a statement "from" the monkey itself.

Agency creation

"Hollywood will have to wait. For now, I have an obligation to my legions of British fans. The BBC and I have been discussing this for some time, and we both agreed, the audience needs me. And the money is good," it said.

"I was knitted to do this show."

The BBC has been able to use the knitted character because it was created by an agency outside ITV.

The adverts featuring the monkey character also helped to make a household name of his co-star, comedian Johnny Vegas.

Knitted monkey dolls were sent out free to subscribers to the digital service - which collapsed last year after running up huge losses - but more than 100 were auctioned off after the company was wound up last September.