Vic Reeves to star in new comedy

Vic Reeves has signed up to play a merchant sailor and devoted father in a new BBC comedy drama.

Vic, whose panel show Shooting Stars was recently dropped by the corporation, has been cast as Tony Dixon in the six-part comedy series Hebburn.

The BBC2 drama centres around his son, Jason, a journalist "who has left Tyneside for the bright lights and glamour of Manchester".

Fresh Meat actress Kimberley Nixon plays a middle-class Jewish girl that Jason has secretly married and decides to introduce to his family.

The sitcom has been created by stand-up comedian Jason Cook, based on his own experience of growing up in the North East.

Rising stand-up comedian Chris Ramsey has been cast at the "impetuous and ambitious Jason".

Cook himself will also appear in the drama, as loveable rogue Ramsey, a character inspired by Chris Ramsey.

Cook said: "I somehow knew Chris would end up playing the young version of me and that I would be playing Ramsey and unbelievably, when I was younger my hair was even worse than Chris's is now."

Kristian Smith, executive editor of comedy commissioning, said: "We are delighted to be bringing Hebburn to BBC2.

"Not only does it bring back the warm heart of the North East to sitcom, but also delivers a charming and funny comedy about a grown up family with a fantastic cast attached."