Reeves and Ramsey in Jason Cook's sitcom

Vic Reeves and stand-up Chris Ramsey are to star in a new BBC Two sitcom, created by comic Jason Cook.

Cook has mined his own past for the series, which will be titled Hebburn after the Tyneside town where he grew up.

Ramsey is to play the character based on Cook himself, while Reeves will play the father. Kimberley Nixon from Fresh Meat has also signed up for a role, while Cook is co-writing the scripts with Ideal creator Graham Duff.

Cook, 38 said: ‘It’s about my life but I don’t play myself. It is based in Hebburn where I grew up so it’s quite personal to me.

‘It’s a warm family sitcom and that’s the only thing I wanted it to be. I want it to have a good heart.

The show, which will be produced by Channel X North and Steve Coogan’s Baby Cow company, was commissioned after a live pilot was performed as part of the BBC’s Salford Sitcom Showcase last October.

Ramsey – who says he is ‘so excited’ to get the part – played the’Jason’ role in that run-through.

At the time, Cook said: ‘The good thing about Chris playing me is that we're really close friends anyway so he just had to basically do an impression of me and he was brilliant.

‘It's a bit unnerving because sometimes you have to ask yourself, “Do I really do that?”  And unfortunately, the answer is yes...’

Filming on the six episodes is due to start next month, with much of the shooting taking place on location in Hebburn. Cook added: ‘It is a dream come true.’

It is the second sitcom to be picked up from the Salford showcases. Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto's Citizen Khan, which will air in the autumn, was commissioned immediately afterwards.

Published: 4 Mar 2012