Comedy Central UK has announced that it has commissioned a UK version of the hugely successful Comedy Central US series, Roast Battle. The series will be hosted by Jimmy Carr with Russell Brand and Katherine Ryan already confirmed in the judging panel line-up.

The six stand-alone episodes will involve a mix of both top comedians and new faces, verbally battling it out as they take each other down a peg or two with their quick wit and best insults. Each episode will culminate with one of two comedians crowned winner by an all-star judging panel. In a fresh twist on the US series, each episode will be themed, giving the comedians plenty of scope to play with. The series, which will be co-produced by Fulwell 73 and IDEASATRON will air early in the New Year on Comedy Central UK.

“Comedy Central Roast Battle will see the UK's finest comedians go head to head in the ultimate battle of wits,' commented Louise Holmes, Vice President, General Manager, Comedy Central UK. “We will pit friend against frenemy, northerners against southerners and who knows, maybe even husband versus wife! The gloves will be coming off and no subject is off limits if it gives fodder for funny.”

Comedy Central’s Roast franchise has previously performed well in the UK. The Comedy Central Roast of Justin Bieber in 2015 brought in a consolidated share of 9.5% for 16-34s and achieved an increase of +833% on the slot average. Meanwhile, the Comedy Central Roast of Donald Trump in 2016 consolidated to a 4.9% share for 16-34s. The weekly Roast Battle series is the next step in bringing the fans more of what they love.

Roast Battle starts on Comedy Central UK in January.