Frankie Boyle is to return to television with a new comedy show.

Associated Press reports that BBC Two channel controller Patrick Holland, as part of his drive to make the channel "feel more contemporary", has given the Scottish comedian his own topical series.

The news was revealed at a launch event for BBC Two's Spring and Summer schedule. Holland told the press: "If we're going to be making the channel feel more contemporary and more relevant, we want to be looking at the issues of the day and Frankie is one of those voices that does that. He's an extraordinarily strong voice and a very passionate voice. He has the ability to explore some of the issues of the day."

No further details are currently known about the show, but it is expected to begin after June to avoid the strict impartiality rules enforced during the General Election period.

The former Mock The Week star has appeared sporadically on BBC Two in recent years, with the channel giving television broadcasts to Frankie Boyle's Autopsy, an occasional series of topical political specials made for BBC iPlayer.

Patrick Holland said: "Seeing Autopsy was one of the reasons I was so keen for Frankie to come back. But [the new show] is a different show from Autopsy. It is the kind of tone that Frankie will be able to achieve that I want to see on BBC Two."

Discussing the fact Frankie Boyle has proved controversial in the past, Holland commented: "I think it will be challenging viewing but it's important that voices like Frankie's are heard on BBC Two." He added: "If you're on the BBC there are BBC guidelines and the producers of the show know about that. Frankie is keen to be back on BBC Two."

This is the second topical series announced by BBC Two in recent months. The channel is also developing The Mash Report, a 10-part satirical series that will be hosted by Nish Kumar.

Further details about Frankie Boyle's new show are expected to be revealed in due course. Throughout May, Frankie Boyle will be performing nightly work-in-progress gigs in London. Dates