Channel 4 has announced a new line-up for Stand Up For The Week, its topical stand-up format.

As previously reported by BCG, rising star Paul Chowdhry (pictured) will be taking over the hosting duties from Jon Richardson when the show returns for its fifth series.

Chowdhry, who has had a regular spot on the programme since Series 3, commentating on 'multicultural news', is known for his opening line of "What's happening, white people?".

Today the network confirmed the other comedians who would be joining him on a regular basis, as the show returns for eight new episodes. Seann Walsh and Josh Widdicombe will be returning to the format, both of whom also joined the format as regulars in 2011 for the third series.

Sara Pascoe and Andrew Lawrence have now departed the programme, resulting in producers signing three new comedians as regulars. They will be circuit veteran Simon Evans, up-and-coming Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated comedian Romesh Ranganathan and Angela Barnes, the winner of the BBC New Comedy Award 2011.

Notably, aside from Ranganathan, all the acts share Off The Kerb as their management company. The agency, which also looks after the likes of Michael McIntyre and Alan Carr, is said to use the programme as a 'training ground' for developing future stand-up stars. Stand Up For The Week is produced by Off The Kerb's production company, Open Mike Productions.

Channel 4 says: "Returning to a Friday night slot on Channel 4, Stand Up For The Week takes a humorous and no holds-barred alternative look at the big stories of the week, as seen through the eyes of some of the country's best new comedians. Each comic will be giving their unique and hilariously razor sharp take on their own specialist area, including the week's news, politics, sport and showbiz shenanigans."

Originally recorded at the KOKO venue in Camden, the show is now recorded at The Clapham Grand in South London. The application form to be in the audience is now online. See our free tickets page

Stand Up For The Week returns to Channel 4 on Friday 1st November 2013.

The below video features clips from Paul Chowdhry's 2012 DVD, and an interview with the comedian: