Perry 'set for new comedy show'

Matthew Perry is best known for playing Chandler in Friends

Former Friends star Matthew Perry is set to star and write a new comedy series, which will be broadcast on US TV channel ABC, according to reports.

Trade magazine The Hollywood Reporter said Perry will play a manager of a second-rate sports arena who begins to re-evaluate his life as he turns 40.

Thomas Schlamme, who worked with Perry on Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip is tipped to direct the series.

Perry, who turned 40 in August, has had a smattering of roles since Friends.

The star, who is best known for playing Chandler Bing, played the older version of Zac Efron in the movie 17 Again.

He was also nominated for awards for his portrayal of inspirational teacher Ron Clark in the TV film, The Ron Clark Story.

In 2007, Perry appeared in the West End production of David Mamet's Sexual Perversity In Chicago.

It is thought Perry's new series sparked a bidding war between ABC and NBC, which broadcast Friends between 1994 and 2004.