Jason Manford talks about ITV1 stand-up pilot Comedy Rocks...

Hi Jason. Can you tell us a little more about Comedy Rocks?

It's essentially a variety show, a mix of music & comedy. But the music will all be live, none of this miming palava! And the comedy will be varied, Paul Zerdin, the best Ventriloquist in the world (says me & my mum); new star & good mate of mine John Bishop, who's set to have an amazing 2010, very funny, lovely but naughty Jo Brand & to mix it up a bit, Joe Pasquale.

We hear the live audience may be in for a few surprises?

Sort of. I'll be having a chat with them & finding out how their week has been but only to find funny stories, the stuff you just can't make up. But I won't be picking on anyone who doesn't fancy a chat!

Which comedians do you currently like/admire?

I love comedy so much, but my all time hero is Billy Connolly, he is the absolute master. Peter Kay is a close second & I've enjoyed watching Michael McIntyre. But I also enjoy watching some of the old boys at work, Cannon & Ball, Tarby, Mick Miller, that's the comedy enjoyed as a boy with my family.

Who would be your dream guest on Comedy Rocks?

Well any of the above, but I'd love to get Tim Minchin on the show, also Sarah Millican & Pete Firman are two that are a great watch. If we're talking fantasy line up I'd say Jerry Sienfeld, Larry Miller, Billy Crystal, Jeff Dunham, Chris Rock, Eddie Izzard, Lee Evans, argh too many to choose! Music wise I'd have Elbow, Lady Gaga, The Buble & Neil Diamond!

Apart from Comedy Rocks, what else have you got coming up Jason?

I've a mad tour starting in the summer which will go on for 18 months or so, after which I'll probably knock live stand-up on the head for a few years & just do the odd telly thing to keep my hand in. 8 Out Of 10 Cats has an tele-toon special in May and is back for Series 10 in August. As well as that, I'll be popping up on the odd show here and there.