Stand-up comedian Nish Kumar has been named as the new host of Newsjack, the topical Radio 4 Extra sketch show that has an 'open door' policy to material. This means that anyone can send in sketches to the BBC, with the best being performed on the show.

Series 12 of Newsjack will begin broadcasting on Thursday 26th February, also including a new supporting cast of Cariad Lloyd, Mike Wozniak, Chris Kendall and Lolly Adefope, among others.

Kumar takes over from Romesh Ranganathan, who hosted the previous two series. Prior to that, the show was fronted by Justin Edwards and Miles Jupp.

Kumar has performed three solo stand-up shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, as well as sell-out runs at London's Soho Theatre. He has previously appeared as a guest on radio shows including 4 Extra Stands Up, Life: An Idiot's Guide and The Now Show. His TV credits include The Alternative Comedy Experience and Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled.

Talking about his new role, Nish Kumar says: "I'm really excited to be hosting Newsjack. I'm a huge fan of encouraging new writers and also of myself so in many ways this is a match made in heaven."

Caroline Raphael, the Commissioning Editor for Radio 4 Extra, says: "I am delighted Nish Kumar is to be the new presenter of Newsjack. This is a very important show for Radio 4 Extra, supporting rising comedy talent as it does both behind and in front of the microphone. Radio 4 Extra brings a wealth of archive programming to listeners and Newsjack ensures that we support, train and showcase lots of new talent who will one day create the archive of the future - with their own wonderful shows."

The shows will be recorded at the BBC Radio Theatre. To apply to be in the audience see our free tickets page

If you wish to write for the show, the first deadlines are Monday 23rd February for sketches and Tuesday 24th February for one-liners. To find out more about the criteria, see behind-the-scenes videos, and get more writing tips, visit the Newsjack website

Additional Newsjack writing advice and discussion from other writers can be found within BCG's writing forums