BBC Two has started its search for a new panel show by commissioning a pilot episode of Six Degrees.

The format is described as a programme "aiming to mix comedy and high science" and will feature guests "from the worlds of science and comedy."

Professor Brian Cox has been lined up to host the pilot episode. The physicist will already be familiar to comedy fans, having previously appeared on shows such as Would I Lie To You? and QI, plus for his work alongside Dara O Briain on entertainment formats such as Stargazing Live.

A pilot episode of Six Degrees will be recorded at The London Studios on the 3rd July. To apply to be in the audience see our free tickets page

This news follows the announcement that BBC Two has axed its long running panel show format Never Mind The Buzzocks. BBC executives said they were ending the music-based comedy show to "create space for new entertainment formats in the future".

Six Degrees won't be the first TV panel show that has aimed to mix education in with comedy. 2008 Channel 5 format The What In The World? Quiz and 2009 BBC Four series It's Only A Theory have both aimed to present factual content through comedy. Additionally, across three series of Dara O Briain: School Of Hard Sums comedians were asked to solve maths puzzles.

News on whether Six Degrees will become a TV series is expected at a later date.