It has been confirmed today that Miranda, the hit sitcom starring Miranda Hart, will move to BBC One when it returns for its third series.

Hart, who also writes the show, says: "It's like renting a swish apartment that I hope I don't look out of place in or break all the furniture. I am very grateful to BBC Two for supporting and nurturing me, and trusting my vision for the show".

BBC Vision executive George Entwistle says: "Miranda's been a tremendous hit with audiences on BBC Two, I'm very glad she's let us persuade her to move to BBC One, where we believe we can build an even bigger following."

The first two series of Miranda were commissioned by then head of BBC Two, Janice Hadlow, in order to increase the number women in mainstream comedy. The show has been a huge hit for BBC Two, attracting on average 3.2 million viewers (12% audience share), and in some weeks even beating BBC One's ratings. Series 2 finished with 4.3 million viewers (16%) - very significantly above the channel's normal average. Miranda was also the big winner at The British Comedy Awards, scooping three of the biggest prizes, including the People's Choice award.

It is expected that Sarah Hadland, Patricia Hodge, Tom Ellis, James Holmes and Sally Phillips will all return the new series, which will likely be broadcast towards the end of 2011 or in early 2012.