The first episode in the upcoming series of Celebrity Juice is to be broadcast live.

ITV2 has given the go-ahead for the completely live edition of Keith Lemon's riotous panel show to be broadcast from Elstree Studios on the 17th March, to mark the start of the show's 15th series.

The new series will see Keith reunited with regular team captains Holly Willoughby and Fearne Cotton, the latter of whom was absent from the show's Autumn 2015 series, on maternity leave.

The producers say: "There will be no hiding for Keith and the team as they film an hour long special of the naughtiest and mightiest comedy show live from Elstree Studios direct to the ITV2 audience - the first UK panel show ever to do so. Due to air this March, viewers can expect the show's usual anarchic style with an interactive element where the audience at home can have a say in what happens during the show via social media in the week leading up to transmission."

Guests confirmed for the live episode include Willoughby's This Morning co-host Phillip Schofield, 'Queen of the Jungle' Vicky Pattison, and The Voice judge Ricky Wilson.

Speaking last night at a launch event for the second series of The Keith Lemon Sketch Show, Leigh Francis, in character as Keith Lemon, announced the live broadcast and commented that his only worry is how they will handle the scoring. Most episodes of Celebrity Juice are recorded the day before broadcast, and some further in advance, allowing for time to pick which rounds are shown and edit and compile the show into an hour-long time slot.

Talking today about the live episode, Keith Lemon says: "I've done it loads of times. But I've never done it with Fearne and Holly. Actually I have done it with Holly but never done it with both Holly and Fearne at the same time, whilst people watch! Looking forward to doing Celebrity Juice live! What can go wrong?"

Producer Leon Wilson adds: "We love making Juice and we're so proud we're now on the 15th series. What better, and terrifying, way to start than with a live episode. Keeping Keith, Holly and Fearne in check on any recording of the show is always a challenge so literally anything could happen this time round."

ITV's Claire Zolkwer says: "Juice. Live. With Keith. That's a great idea! Right?!"

Previously recorded at Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, Celebrity Juice moved to facilities at the BBC's Elstree Studios in 2014 when the historic Hammersmith venue - which played host to early TV series such as Hancock's Half Hour - was closed for redevelopment.

The brand new series of Celebrity Juice starts on Thursday 17th February on ITV2 at 10pm.