An overweight comic and a talking monkey are to promote an overlooked digital TV service.

In a bizarre echo of the Johnny Vegas adverts that failed to stop ITV Digital's collapse, the BBC has recruited Phill Jupitus and a cheeky family of monkey puppets to promote its minority channels.

Jupitus (pictured) will provide the voiceovers alongside actor Timothy Spall, while puppets will feature the heads of BBC stars, including Jack Dee and Ainsley Harriott.

A BBC spokesman told MediaGuardian: "Audiences loved the monkeys in research and found their anthropomorphic charm helped communicate very clearly what the channels are and how to get them."

The campaign will run on TV, radio and online.