Schwimmer 'directs Vicky Pollard'

David Schwimmer directed Run Fatboy Run starring Simon Pegg and Thandie Newton

Friends star David Schwimmer is directing sketches for the Little Britain USA series in Los Angeles, reports trade magazine Variety.

The 41-year-old has directed sketches for the comedy show in front of a live studio audience, with guest stars including Rosie O'Donnell and Sting.

Schwimmer has previously directed episodes of Friends and the 2007 film Run Fatboy Run, starring Simon Pegg.

The series, which will be shown on HBO, begins in the autumn.

The US version features new and existing Little Britain characters created by Matt Lucas and David Walliams in a contemporary US setting.

Filming had been due to begin last year, but was delayed due to the Hollywood writers' strike.