Paul O'Grady in advance talks with 'The Bill'

Channel 4 chat show host Paul O'Grady is in advance negotiations for a part in The Bill.

The 52-year-old comedian - who signed an exclusive tea-time deal with C4 last year - is reportedly being lined up for a three-month contract playing the role of a gangster in the ITV cop drama.

The former Lily Savage act told The Mirror: "I'd love to be in the show. My first acting part was in The Bill - but I can't come back as that character because they were killed off. I'd like to play someone who is incredibly evil."

A spokeswoman for the programme confirmed that talks are well underway, saying: "We are looking at opportunities to bring Paul in. He wants to come into the show and we would absolutely love to have him on board."

A source added: "Paul O'Grady is one of the hottest properties around and it will be a great coup for The Bill to get him on board. Everyone is thrilled at the prospect and so should the viewers be."

O'Grady previously appeared in The Bill back in 1988 as a prostitute called Roxanne.

In a bid to boost the show's ratings, producers recently signed former EastEnders actress Louisa Lytton and ex-Hollyoaks star Ali Bastian, with promise of more big names later this year.