Alan Davies is to present a new chat show on Dave.

The UKTV network has ordered five hour-long episodes of the new format, which has yet to be given a title. The channel says the show will deliver "unpredictable, unscripted comedy".

The series will see the QI star talking to fellow comedians. The producers explain: "Alan sits with four other top comedians round a table and they talk. About anything. The show recreates the relaxed atmosphere found amongst bantering comics backstage and elicits anecdotes and interaction that you simply won't get anywhere else. There are no rules, no themes and no preparation. All Alan has is one amazing fact about each of them, after which, the conversation could spiral in any direction."

Alan Davies says: "I'm looking forward to sharing what makes comedians tick and bring some of the banter from long car journeys, gigs or backstage in the dressing room to Dave's viewers."

Steve North, the manager of the channel, adds: "This is an exciting and audacious format that completely fits with Dave's promise to provide contemporary entertainment starring the finest comedy talent. The channel has just enjoyed its most successful 12 months to date, and I'm incredibly excited about the next 12 because we've got some cracking new commissions coming to viewers' screens soon."

Iain Coyle, who is overseeing the series, comments: "Any comic will tell you the funniest place at a comedy club is not on stage or in the audience, but in the green room or dressing room. There you get a different type of funny: spontaneous and very Dave."

The series, which will be produced by Phil McIntyre Entertainment, will be filmed in front of a studio audience and is planned to be broadcast on Dave in the summer.

Executive Producer Lucy Ansbro says: "Unpredictability, informality and the quick wit of Alan and his guests are the key ingredients. It's a pleasure to make and we hope Dave viewers love the 'anything goes' approach. It's quite risky trying to do a show with no script but very exciting."

Alan Davies is currently presenting Alan Davies Après-Ski, a Winter Olympics-based comedy show on BBC Two on Friday nights. He is also soon to be seen in three new episodes of comedy drama Jonathan Creek, the first of which will be shown on the 28th February.