Lily Allen to host show on BBC Three

BBC Three has commissioned a new entertainment show hosted by Lily Allen.

Lily Allen and Friends will be produced by Princess Productions and will invite viewers to become Allen's virtual friends on a social networking site. These online friends will then participate in the BBC Three programme as audience members asking questions of guests and contributing to studio discussions.

"I'm so excited that BBC Three are giving me this chance," said Allen. "It's something I intend to have lots of fun with and I have some great ideas for the show. Next year is going to be a brilliant year!"

Guests to appear in the programme include celebrities, bands, unsigned acts and popular internet personalities.

"I'm delighted to welcome Lily to BBC Three," said BBC Three controller Danny Cohen. "She's one of the hottest acts around and an important voice of her generation. Lily Allen And Friends will have its own unique identity as the audience will be intrinsic to the show's content via social networking. Lily launched herself on the web and is the perfect host for this exciting new show."

Lily Allen and Friends is the latest multiplatform entertainment show to be commissioned by Cohen; last month, he unveiled a social video-centric programme titled The Wall.