But it's a blow to BBC Two

Miranda is definitely moving to BBC One, after an internal ‘tug-of-war’ with executives at its previous home at BBC Two,

The loss of the sitcom – which averaged an impressive 3.2million viewers over its second series – will come as a blow to BBC Two, whose controller Janice Hadlow was trying to increase the number of female faces on the channel.

After the move was confirmed today, Hart said: ‘I am very grateful to BBC Two for supporting and nurturing me, and trusting my vision for the show. Two will always feel like home. Now I feel like I am renting a swish apartment that I hope I don't look out of place in or break all the furniture!’

The timing of the thied series has yet to be confirmed, but BBC executive George Entwistle said: ‘Miranda's been a tremendous hit with audiences on BBC Two and I'm very glad she's let us persuade her to move to BBC One, where we believe we can build an even bigger following for her multi-award-winning show.

‘BBC Two has done an exceptional job of supporting and nurturing Miranda over a number of years and I'm certain she'll be equally well looked after at BBC One.’

BBC One controller Danny Cohen added: ‘Miranda has become one of the great comedy stars of her generation. I'm a big fan and know that she will be much loved by BBC One audiences.’

The show won three categories at last month’s British Comedy Awards.

Published: 10 Feb 2011