De Niro plans sitcom

Robert De Niro is helping create a sitcom based behind the scenes of a New York restaurant.

He is joining forces with Austin Powers director Jay Roach for the comedy, based on the play Fully Committed

They pair previously worked together on Meet The Parents (pictured).

Roach may also direct the ABC pilot, if he can find time away from shooting the third Austin Powers film, Variety reports.

De Niro also knows something about the Manhattan restaurant scene, as he owns a stake in many Big Apple eateries.

The show is expected to hit US screens next autmun,

Published: 14 Dec 2001