Miranda Hart is reportedly being lined-up to host a new version of The Generation Game.

The popular game show has been off air since 2002, but BBC executives are now looking to revive the format.

Launched in 1971 with Bruce Forsyth as host, The Generation Game was regularly on screen until 1982, and then revived for another 12 years between 1990 and 2002.

Forsyth is perhaps the best remembered host of the show - introducing catchphrases including "Didn't they do well?" and "Nice to see you, to see you, nice!" - however the format was also hosted for a period by Larry Grayson (1978 to 1981), and Jim Davidson took over from 'Brucie' in 1994.

The game show's format involves family members of different ages competing in a series of challenges. The final round famously involved a conveyor belt of prizes, most of which were not of very high value.

The BBC has suffered a number of high-profile Saturday night entertainment failures over the previous twelve months, with new formats including That Puppet Game Show and I Love My Country failing to attract audiences. Executives will be hoping that reviving The Generation Game will bring them another family-friendly hit to sit alongside Strictly Come Dancing.

The Mail On Sunday confirms: "The BBC plans to screen the new version within a year, and a pilot episode is already taking shape."

A source told the paper: "Everyone is excited about this happening. Miranda is a great fan of the original show and she has made no secret of her admiration for Sir Bruce Forsyth, the show's very first host. Miranda and The Generation Game could be a match made in telly heaven."

A BBC spokesman says: "It's in the early ideas stage at the moment and nothing is confirmed, but it's an idea we are discussing with Miranda."

Hart, who rose to fame via her sitcom Miranda and is now established as a star of Call The Midwife too, interviewed Forsyth for a one-off programme last year. She said at the time: "Bruce is too modest to say this but I am going to say it for him. During the 1970s The Generation Game was getting over 20  million viewers every week and my family were among them. I loved it. It is one of the greatest game shows ever."

Hart is currently in Hungary filming a Hollywood movie. The un-titled film, which is described as a 'spy comedy', features some of the stars of Bridesmaids, and is helmed by the hit film's director Paul Feig too (more details).

The comedian tweeted on Saturday: "Thank you to kind gent who put me in cab after a tumble in Budapest. Another person who walked past said "she's done a Miranda" *hides face*"

Miranda Hart previously took part in a Generation Game special, hosted by Vernon Kay, for Comic Relief 2012. As part of 24 Hour Panel People, Hart appeared with her 'on-screen sitcom mum' Patricia Hodge, alongside David Walliams and his mother. In the below clip from this special, the contestants are taught how to make a clay pot:

Below is the trailer that was used to promote When Miranda Met Bruce:

View this clip on the BBC website