New sitcom for Leigh Francis in 2007

Leigh Francis - best known for his comedy character Avid Merrion - has revealed that he is to star in a new show in 2007.

Appearing in character at the British Comedy Awards this week, Francis gave a cryptic explanation of what to expect from the sitcom, making reference to a scene which sees him saving a sheep from a tree.

"I'm doing a new show next year. It's going to be interesting, no masks, acting and stuff. It's going to be exciting," he explained. "It's not a sitcom, I can't even describe what it is, it's just exciting. I'm sixty feet in the air. It's amazing.

"Best thing I've ever done, save a sheep from a tree. It's the best thing I've ever done. The wind has blown a sheep into a tree, and I save him. I don't think it's the funniest thing I've ever done, but wow, what an experience. Saving a sheep, it's amazing, being hoisted up on wires. They get rid of them and it looks like you're flying."