The BBC has confirmed that Michael McIntyre's Big Show will return for a third series.

The corporation has ordered another six episodes, which will be filmed and broadcast in 2017. Only one episode of the second series has been transmitted so far.

As recently reported, the second series of the show opened on Saturday to big ratings. With an average 6.2 million viewers tuning into the episode's television broadcast, it beat The X Factor in ratings figures.

The BBC confirms: "Michael McIntyre's Big Show will return to BBC One next year. The Saturday night family entertainment programme, which promises to be bigger and better than ever, has been commissioned for a third series of six episodes by the BBC."

Producers say: "Following the success of Series 1 and the launch of the second series, the new run will be packed with celebrity guests, musical performances, stand-up, even more surprises and games, including celebrity Send To All and the unmissable Unexpected Star. Michael will host the six-part series which will be recorded in front of a live audience in the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane."

The star comments: "Making the Big Show has been the most fun I've had on TV. There are so many wonderful surprises and performances to come in the current series and I couldn't be more thrilled and excited to be making a third series next year."

The BBC's Alan Tyler adds: "Michael is a true star and in the Big Show he has brought something really special to Saturday nights on BBC One. We are delighted that the series will be returning in 2017 and cannot wait to bring our audience more big laughs, big stars and big surprises."

Executive Producer Dan Baldwin from production company Hungry McBear Media comments: "We are all delighted Michael McIntyre's Big Show is coming back for its third series. It's brilliant working so closely with one of the world's best comedians. Michael is proving that he is fast becoming one of the best entertainment hosts too. Expect more surprises, huge star names and stunning music performances in Series 3."

The second episode of Series 2 of Michael McIntyre's Big Show will be shown on BBC One this Saturday 26th November at 8:10pm. Below is a trailer.