Milton Jones is working on a new TV sitcom for the BBC.

The project, which is in the early stages of development, will see the popular stand-up comedian playing a shop keeper. He runs the small budget premises, set in a parade of shops, alongside his fictional father.

The comedy centres around the dad wishing to retire and pass on the business to his son, however the ineptitude of Milton has not allowed this to happen yet.

Speaking in an online video interview, Milton Jones confirmed: "We're working on something for the BBC at the moment. Hopefully we get there in the end, but it's a long slow process. I don't know what the title will be but it's me and my dad in a shop."

Asked whether the premise was to be similar to Open All Hours, the classic sitcom which will return for a full series later this year following the success of the Christmas special revival, Jones said it was not. "It's a pound shop and he [the father] wants to put me in charge of it but I'm incompetent basically, so he can't retire."

The un-titled project is currently at the read through stage. The comedian confirmed: "We've done two scripts - we've got a reading - we'll see." However, he stressed that it was a long process and getting a full commission wouldn't be easy, particularly as executives keep swapping positions. "They all play musical chairs every six months" he commented, adding - even if the script is liked - one has to wait for a broadcast slot. "There's no gap for two years."

Milton Jones has many radio sitcom credits, including Another Case Of Milton Jones, however he has so far only had one broadcast TV sitcom. Milton Jones's House Of Rooms, broadcast on Channel 4 in 2012, was widely praised by comedy fans, but failed to win a series commission. Speaking in the video interview, the star said: "A lot of people liked it, but the lady at the top of Channel 4 didn't, so that was the end of that."

Stressing how long the process of making a TV show takes, he added: "As soon as House Of Rooms died, which was three years ago, we went in to talking about the next one... and we're only at read through level [now]."

Milton Jones was last seen on TV on Thursday guest starring in Mock The Week. Speaking to The Radio Times this week, he commented on the BBC's new rule that panel shows must avoid all-male line-ups. He said: "Once there's a definite rule about something, it can be counter-productive. I think you have to leave the spirit of it open to those in charge, and then try to get in as many women as possible. I think if you make a rule about it then the goodwill breaks down."

Jones will tour the UK in 2015 with his new show Temple of Daft. More Details

Below is the video in which Jones reveals his sitcom plans to interviewer Kevin Durham:

The above video is one of a series filmed by Durham. To see further discussion topics, including the comedian's frustrations with atheist comedians, whether he thinks there's too many panel shows, and what it's like going on Mock The Week, visit YouTube