New series for Radio 4

David Mitchell and Robert Webb are to return to Radio 4 for the first new series of their sketch show in four years.

And Olivia Colman – whose star is at a peak thanks to the success of Broadchurch – will be returning, too .

That Mitchell And Webb Sound first appeared in 2003 and won a Sony award for the second series two years later – before the show transferred to TV.

Now it is to be revived, with a new, fifth series starting on November 26 in the traditional 6.30pm comedy slot.

Mitchell said: ‘It's great to return to Radio 4 now that we're old enough to listen to it.’

Webb added: ‘I love doing radio, mainly because you don't have to do the actions. David does the actions anyway and I respect his process. Although waiting for him to change costumes can be irksome.’

Many of the shows previous writers, including Toby Davies, Joel Morris, Jason Hazeley and Bleak Expectations creator Mark Evans are also back on board – as is actor James Bachman.

Radio 4‘s comedy commissioning editor Caroline Raphael, said: ‘It’s always wonderful to see Radio 4 programmes and talent move to television. My parting words to David and Robert were – “the door is always open” and here they are, back again and we are absolutely delighted, as I am sure the listeners will be.’

Published: 16 Sep 2013