Harry Enfield is being lined up for his first serious role, playing a crime reporter in a period drama.

A series based on the exploits of famed Fifties journalist Percy Hoskins has been developed with the comedian in mind.

The show, No Hiding Place, has been pitched to ITV1 who are currently deciding whether to commission it.

Hoskins became a Fleet Street legend for his tenacious investigations for the Daily Express, the most famous of which was the revelations that police had tried to smear murder suspect John Bodkin Adams ahead of his trial.

Series writer Matthew Hall told Teletext: "I think Harry will be extremely good in the part."

Enfield is said to be keen to branch out into drama. His comedy career stalled after a big-money move from the BBC to Sky, and the critically slated sitcom Celeb.