Comedy hit Miranda moves to BBC1

Award-winning comedy show Miranda is to move to BBC1 when it returns for a third series, it has been announced.

The hit programme - which landed a hat trick of prizes at last month's British Comedy Awards - has previously aired on BBC2, and station bosses are capitalising with the channel switch.

It follows the path of other shows which have been bumped up after building an audience on BBC2 in recent years including QI, Who Do You Think You Are? and The Apprentice.

The sitcom starring Miranda Hart, 38, developed from her Radio 2 show Miranda Hart's Joke Shop.

George Entwistle, the acting director of BBC Vision, said: "Miranda's been a tremendous hit with audiences on BBC2 and I'm very glad she's let us persuade her to move to BBC1, 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."

Hart said: "I am very grateful to BBC2 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."

Hart was named best comedy actress at the comedy awards, screened by Channel 4 last month, while the show landed best new British TV comedy and the people's choice award, voted by viewers.